Jay Edwards

Edwards obtained a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Ohio University. While in college, Edwards began investing in real estate. Before running for office, Edwards worked as a realtor and property investor.[1]

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Media interviewEdwards stated the following in an interview with The Columbus Dispatch:Age: 36Campaign Website: edwardsforohio.comBackground: Jay Edwards is a native of Nelsonville, Ohio, and a proud son of Appalachia. He earned a B.S. in mathematics from Ohio University, where he played football on scholarship. After college, he started a successful real estate company that he still manages today. At age 27, he flipped a longtime Democratic seat to become state representative for Ohio’s 94th District (2017–2024). He served as House Majority Whip and later chaired the House Finance Committee, where he helped pass a $3.2 billion tax cut and universal school choice. Term-limited in 2025, Edwards is now a Republican candidate for Ohio State Treasurer, committed to fiscal responsibility, opportunity, and supporting working families and businesses across the state.Why are you the best candidate?: I combine proven fiscal leadership, hands-on experience managing state budgets, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.A graduate of Ohio University with a B.S. in mathematics, I was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives at age 27 and served from 2017 to 2024. As House Finance Committee chair, I helped deliver a $3.2 billion tax cut for Ohio families and businesses, advanced universal school choice, and secured critical investments in infrastructure and economic development.What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio treasurer, I will modernize the office and restore taxpayer trust through targeted initiatives.First, I will upgrade the Treasurer’s office from its outdated 1970s-era ACH system to 21st-century technology. This will improve efficiency, security, and speed while making all state financial transactions more accessible.I will enhance the Ohio Checkbook program to make it even simpler and more user-friendly, so every Ohioan can easily see exactly where their tax dollars are spent — bringing real transparency and accountability back to government.To support public safety, I will launch a Link Deposit program that prioritizes state deposits with financial institutions committed to backing first responders. In our largest cities, where respect for police and law enforcement has eroded, this program will strengthen partnerships that keep our communities safe. If cities refuse to support the police and public safety, then it is time for the state to step up.These practical steps — modernization, transparency, and support for those who protect us — will ensure Ohio’s finances work efficiently and earn the trust of every taxpayer.What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: As Ohio treasurer, my decisions on investments, including Israel bonds, will be guided solely by what is best for Ohio taxpayers — prioritizing safety, liquidity, and return.I am troubled that too many entities are divesting from Israel bonds for purely political reasons. These bonds have a strong track record of low risk, reliable repayments, and competitive returns that benefit Ohio’s portfolio.Without access to the current detailed portfolio data, I cannot commit to specific adjustments today. However, any changes would be based strictly on financial merit, not politics.I have long stood as an ally to the Jewish community. The recent dramatic rise in outright hatred toward Israel and Jewish people is sickening and must be rejected. Ohio should continue to make prudent investments that deliver strong value while upholding fiscal responsibility.What role should AI play in the treasurer's office?: As Ohio’s next treasurer, I believe AI should serve as a powerful efficiency tool — not a replacement for human oversight or taxpayer accountability. In the treasurer’s office, AI can analyze investment portfolios in real time to maximize returns on state funds, detect fraud in unclaimed property claims, streamline cash-flow forecasting, and automate routine back-office tasks. These applications will cut administrative costs, reduce waste, and deliver better results for Ohio taxpayers without growing government.Every AI use must include strict human review, ironclad data security, and full transparency so citizens can see exactly how their money is being managed. We embrace innovation to strengthen fiscal responsibility — never to expand bureaucracy. Responsible AI will help us protect and grow Ohio’s financial resources while keeping decision-making firmly in accountable hands.— Jay Edwards in The Columbus Dispatch interview (April 9, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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Edwards' campaign website highlighted the following issues:

For Our Economy.

Too many people are driving too far to earn a decent paycheck – or moving away altogether. Jay Edwards believes rebuilding our economy begins right here at home by protecting local jobs, investing in our region and our people, and working tirelessly to bring new jobs to Southeast Ohio. Jay supports more funding for job training, including vocational schools and the skilled trades. And he will oppose job-killing government regulations and red tape.

For Our Schools.

Jay Edwards believes students must be given the opportunity to pursue their passions and God-given talents. He will fight for fair funding and local control for our schools so teachers can spend more time teaching and students can spend more time learning. Jay is a strong supporter of vocational education and believes we must make Ohio’s colleges and universities more affordable.

For Our Safety.

Illegal drugs are having a devastating impact throughout our region. Jay Edwards will work with law enforcement and community leaders to make sure Southeast Ohio has the resources it needs to keep drugs off the street and expand drug counseling and rehabilitation.

For Our Freedoms.

As a member of the National Rifle Association, Jay Edwards is a strong supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights and will stand up to the special interests to protect our freedoms. Jay was taught responsibility and life lessons through hunting with his father.

For Our Values.

Our values are being challenged like never before. Jay Edwards is a leader with compassion who shares our values. We can trust Jay to defend the sanctity of life, God’s most precious gift.[5]

—Jay Edwards[6]