State Senator Lydia Edwards

Born and raised in Boston, Lydia Edwards has a background in law and public service as well as the arts. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Fordham University in, a JD from American University’s Washington College of Law, and a Master of Laws in taxation from Boston University. Before entering the state Senate, Edwards worked as a civil rights attorney with Greater Boston Legal Services and served as a member of the Boston City Council. Before being elected to the City Council, Edwards focused much of her time on issues regarding workers rights. Edwards has been known for her commitment to advancing progressive policies and advocating for marginalized communities. During her tenure with the Boston City Council she made substantial efforts to address inequity, protect affordable housing, and environmental justice and sustainability. She is now the chair of the Committee on Housing and continues her fight for workers rights in other capacities. As the Massachusetts State Senator for East Boston and Revere, environmental justice and housing are both very important initiatives for Edwards. Logan Airport causes excessive air pollution and noise in East Boston and takes up a large amount of space, so environmental health and housing justice are major concerns for the nearly 40,000 residents of the neighborhood. In Revere, the public beach is a major hub for the city and its conservation is an issue close to the hearts of many residents. In both areas housing has been a major concern for a long time. Due to gentrification, housing costs are higher in these two historically low income areas where the wages of residents have not risen much lately. Senator Edwards focuses on issues affecting the low income minorities of Massachuttes. Throughout her time as a Senator she has proudly represented the city of Revere and the neighborhoods of East Boston, Winthrop, parts of Fenway, the North End, Back Bay, the West End, and Beacon Hill. She has worked hard as a Senator and City Councilor to best represent the residents of these areas and will continue to do so until she is up for reelection in hopes of returning as a State Senator.