Edwards seeks Ohio treasurer post in Nov. 3 election

Jay Edwards Jr., a Republican and former state representative, is running for Ohio treasurer in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election. He faces Democrat Seth Walsh.

Edwards, a Nelsonville native who describes himself as a proud son of Appalachia, said he wants to modernize the treasurer's office and restore taxpayer trust, according to his candidate responses to the Columbus Dispatch.

Candidate information

Party: Republican
Hometown: Nelsonville, Ohio
Education: High school diploma, Nelsonville-York High School; bachelor's degree in mathematics, Ohio University
Occupation: Realtor

Edwards said he played football on scholarship at Ohio University.

Experience and public service

Edwards served as state representative for District 94 from 2017 to 2025, according to BallotReady profile data. During that time, he said he chaired the House Finance Committee and served as House majority whip, two leadership roles that gave him direct oversight of state spending in the Ohio House of Representatives.

On the issues

Edwards outlined several policy priorities through candidate questionnaire responses. All positions below are the candidate's own statements.

Government technology and modernization: Edwards said he would upgrade the treasurer's office from what he called an outdated 1970s-era automated payment system to modern technology. He said he would enhance the Ohio Checkbook program to make state spending more accessible to residents.

Artificial intelligence: Edwards said AI should serve as an efficiency tool, not a replacement for human oversight or taxpayer accountability. He proposed using AI to analyze investment portfolios, detect fraud in unclaimed property claims and streamline cash-flow forecasting. He said every AI use must include human review, data security and full transparency.

Law enforcement: Edwards said he would launch a "Link Deposit" program that prioritizes state deposits with financial institutions committed to backing first responders. He said if cities refuse to support police and public safety, "it is time for the state to step up," according to his campaign issues page.

State investments: Edwards said his investment decisions, including on Israel bonds, would be guided solely by what is best for Ohio taxpayers, prioritizing safety, liquidity and return. He said he is troubled that too many entities are divesting from Israel bonds for what he called purely political reasons.

Economy and jobs: Edwards said he supports more funding for job training, including vocational schools and the skilled trades, according to his campaign issues page. He said he would oppose what he called job-killing government regulations.