Jess Edwards

Jesse Craton "Jess" Edwards Jr. is an American politician, who is a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. He represents the Rockingham 4 district, comprising the towns of Auburn, Chester, and Sandown.

Biography
Edwards served in the United States Medical Corps, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel and retiring in 2009.

Political career
Edwards is a Republican. In his third term, he was appointed to Chair Division III of the Finance Committee.

In 2023, Edwards endorsed Ron DeSantis for president.

Abortion
In 2022, Edwards advocated for the successful passage of HB1609 which created an exemption for fatal fetal diagnoses to the 24-week abortion ban law passed in 2021.

Child marriage
In 2024, Edwards argued against raising New Hampshire's minimum marriage age from 16 to 18, stating that 16- and 17-year-olds "are a ripe, fertile age and may have a pregnancy and a baby involved", in which case "marriage might be the right solution" and should be available "as a legitimate social option" to avoid "making abortion a much more desirable alternative".

Personal life
Edwards' daughter, Elizabeth, served as a state representative, and Edwards credits her service as the inspiration for his run for office.