Who Is John Edwards? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Edwards was born on June 10, 1953, making him 71 years old as of 2025. He is an American politician, lawyer, and former Senator who gained national prominence during his campaigns for the presidency in the 2004 and 2008 elections. Edwards served as a U.S. Senator from North Carolina from 1999 to 2005 and was the Democratic nominee for Vice President in 2004, running alongside John Kerry. His life and career have been characterized by both significant political achievements and personal controversies.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 10, 1953 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Seneca, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
John Edwards's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements can vary over time, as of 2025, John Edwards stands approximately 6 feet tall. His weight is reported to be around 175 pounds, which reflects a balanced and active lifestyle. Edwards has always maintained a professional appearance, often seen in well-fitted suits during public appearances and events.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, John Edwards has experienced significant changes in his personal life. Following the death of his wife, Elizabeth Edwards, in 2010, he has reportedly been in a stable relationship. While specific details about his current girlfriend have not been made public, sources suggest that he has been dating a philanthropic individual who shares his interests in social justice and charitable work. Edwards has four children from his marriage, John, Cate, Emma Claire, and Jack.
After his 2008 presidential campaign, Edwards was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 3, 2011, on six felony charges of violating multiple federal campaign contribution laws to cover up an extramarital affair to which he eventually admitted.
He was found not guilty on one count, and the judge declared a mistrial on the remaining five charges, as the jury was unable to come to an agreement. The Justice Department dropped the remaining charges and did not attempt to retry Edwards.
Though he was not convicted of any crime, the revelation that he had engaged in an extramarital affair and fathered a child while his wife, Elizabeth Edwards, was dying of cancer, severely damaged his public image and effectively ended his political career.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, John Edwards' net worth is estimated to be around $15 million, largely derived from his career in law, public speaking engagements, and past political endeavors. After stepping away from politics, Edwards found lucrative opportunities in the legal field, leveraging his expertise for various high-profile cases. His earnings significantly fluctuated during his campaign years but have stabilized in recent years thanks to his continued involvement in professional roles.
During the summer and fall of 2005, he visited homeless shelters and job training centers and spoke at events organized by ACORN, the NAACP and the SEIU.
He spoke in favor of an expansion of the earned income tax credit; in favor of a crackdown on predatory lending; an increase in the capital gains tax rate; housing vouchers for racial minorities (to integrate upper-income neighborhoods); and a program modeled on the Works Progress Administration to rehabilitate the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Ka
trina.
In Greene County, North Carolina, he unveiled the pilot program for College for Everyone, an educational measure he promised during his presidential campaign, in which prospective college students would receive a scholarship for their first year in exchange for ten hours of work a week. The College for Everyone program was canceled in July 2008.
Career, Business and Investments
John Edwards had a robust career in both law and politics. He practiced law after earning his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Edwards has worked on various high-profile cases, which contributed to his wealth and reputation. In recent years, he has also engaged in philanthropic ventures, focusing on issues such as poverty alleviation and health care reform. He has invested in several small businesses and non-profits supporting marginalized communities, reflecting his dedication to social issues.
Following Kerry's loss to incumbent President George W. Bush, Edwards began working full-time at the One America Committee, a political action committee he established in 2001, and was appointed director of the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. He was also a consultant for Fortress Investment Group LLC.
Social Network
John Edwards maintains a presence on various social media platforms where he shares insights about his career and personal life. Although not as active as before, his Twitter and LinkedIn profiles remain platforms for occasional updates. He connects with his followers and supporters, fostering discussions around important social issues.
Edwards promotes programs to eliminate poverty in the United States, including arguing in favor of creating one million housing vouchers over five years in order to place poor people in middle-class neighborhoods.
Edwards has stated, "If we truly believe that we are all equal, then we should live together too." He also supports "College for Everyone" initiatives.
Although Edwards initially supported the Iraq War, he later changed his position and in November 2005 wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post in which he said he expressed regret for voting for the Iraq War Resolution and discussed three solutions for success in the conflict.
He denounced the "troop surge" in Iraq, was a proponent for withdrawal, and urged Congress to withhold funding for the war without a withdrawal timetable.
Education
John Edwards graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from North Carolina State University, followed by his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law. His educational background has played a crucial role in shaping his career in law and politics, allowing him to navigate complex legal frameworks and political landscapes.
A football star in high school, Edwards was the first person in his family to attend college. He attended Clemson University for one semester before transferring to North Carolina State University.
He graduated from NCSU with high honors with a bachelor's degree in textile technology and a 3.8 GPA in 1974, and later earned his Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law (UNC) with honors.
