Representative Al Edwards is a Houston real estate broker and an active associate pastor of the Progressive New Hope Baptist Church in Houston. A native Houstonian, Edwards was first elected to represent HD-146 in 1978, where he served until he lost his bid for reelection in 2006. He reclaimed the seat in 2008 and currently serves on the House Appropriations, Rules and Regulations and Defense and Veterans' Affairs committees.

Edwards cites as one of his most significant accomplishments authoring HB 1016, which made Juneteenth (June 19) a paid holiday in Texas. Edwards has also served as chairman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the Democratic National Committee Black Caucus, and the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission.

An active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Edwards earned an associate seminary degree from the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, an honorary doctoral degree from the University of Belize, and a Doctor of Divinity degree from the World Bible Christian University in San Antonio.

Edwards has traveled to South Africa on peacekeeping missions, and served as the state chairman for the Rev. Jesse Jackson's presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1998.