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Jess Edwards
American politician From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Jesse Craton "Jess" Edwards Jr. is an American politician who is a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives.[1] He represents the Rockingham 4 district, comprising the towns of Auburn, Chester, and Sandown.[2]
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Biography
Edwards served in the United States Medical Corps, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel and retiring in 2009.[3][2]
Political career
Edwards is a Republican. In his third term, he was appointed to Chair Division III of the Finance Committee.[1] In 2023, Edwards endorsed Ron DeSantis for president.[4]
Political positions
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.[5]
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" for "some freedom-loving couples".[6]
Menstrual Care
In 2025, Edwards cosponsored a bill to repeal 2019 law requiring New Hampshire school districts to provide menstrual products to students. Edwards called the requirement "offensive".[7] In 2023, Edwards unsuccessfully cosponsored HB129 which would have limited distribution of pads and tampons by making them available only by request from nurses and school administrators.[8]
Personal life
Edwards' daughter, Elizabeth, served as a state representative, and Edwards credits her service as the inspiration for his run for office.[3]
Electoral history
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References
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