John Edwards is an American lawyer and former politician who served as a United States Senator from North Carolina from 1999 to 2005. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for Vice President in the 2004 election, running alongside John Kerry. Edwards is known for his focus on issues such as poverty and healthcare during his political career. In addition to his political work, Edwards gained attention for his personal life, particularly his involvement in a scandal during his 2008 presidential campaign. He faced legal challenges related to campaign finance violations, which ultimately led to a trial in 2012. Despite these controversies, Edwards remains a notable figure in American politics.