Edwards returned to Indiana in 1852, and as a Whig, he served as member of the Indiana State Senate in 1853. In 1853 he moved to Chariton, Iowa, where he began the practice of law. In 1856 he was chosen a member of the convention which framed the new state constitution which was adopted the following year. He was founder in 1857 of the "Patriot" newspaper, and became a Republican when that party was organized. In 1858 he was a member of the House of the Seventh General Assembly. He was reelected and in 1860 was chosen Speaker of the House of the Eighth General Assembly.