John "Jay" Gustav Edwards IV is a Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing District 70 since his first election in November 2008. Born on April 7, 1958, in Newport, Rhode Island, and raised in Portsmouth, he is a lifelong Rhode Islander who lives in Tiverton with his wife, Donna, and has three children, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. Edwards has held leadership roles including House Majority Whip , Senior Deputy Majority Leader, and Majority Floor Manager. Notable achievements include championing legislation to increase fines on industrial polluters from $1,000 to $25,000 per day, decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana , protecting organ donors from insurance denials, and keeping motor vehicle inspections within state boundaries. He is an outspoken advocate for blood and platelet donation, having exceeded 100 gallons and joining the Rhode Island Blood Center's 100 Gallon Club in 2019; he received the Rhode Island Medical Society's Distinguished Civic Leadership Award for healthcare leadership. Edwards serves on the House Finance Committee, House Labor Committee, House Municipal Government and Housing Committee, and Permanent Joint Committee on State Lottery.

Education and Political Experience

Edwards attended St. George's School and graduated from Northeastern University in 1983. He spent a year in Lyon, France, as a teen, gaining fluency in French. Professionally, he works for PDSI Contractors, was director of Caritas RI, and held roles with the Rhode Island Builders Association and Associated Builders and Contractors. His community involvement includes the Tiverton Land Trust, Save the Bay, Maine Island Trail Association, Sierra Club, Tiverton Democratic Town Committee, and National Eagle Scout Association. Politically, he has represented District 70 continuously since 2009, advancing through Democratic leadership positions while sponsoring key environmental, health, and regulatory bills.