Elaine S. Edwards

Infobox_Senator | name=Elaine S. Edwards


nationality=American
jr/sr=United States Senator
state=Louisiana
predecessor=Allen J. Ellender (D)
successor=J. Bennett Johnston, Jr., (D)
term=August 1, 1972 – November 13, 1972
state3=Louisiana
birth_place=Marksville, Louisiana
birth_date=birth date and age|1929|03|8
party=Democrat
death_date=
death_place=
religion=
spouse=Edwin Edwards (1949-1989) (divorced)

Elaine Schwartzenburg Edwards (born March 8, 1929) is a former interim member of the United States Senate and the first wife of Edwin Washington Edwards; hence, making her a former First Lady of Louisiana.

Edwards was born in Marksville, the seat of Avoyelles Parish. She married Edwin Edwards in 1949.

On August 1, 1972, Edwin Edwards appointed Elaine to the U.S. Senate after the death of Allen Ellender. Edwin's reasons for appointing his wife included her willingness to resign after a new senator was elected and her agreement with his political philosophy. However, during the 1976 presidential election campaign, Elaine endorsed Gerald Ford over Jimmy Carter, while her husband spoke on behalf of the Carter-Mondale ticket.

Edwin and Elaine Edwards divorced in 1989 after 40 years of marriage. She is the mother of four children including Stephen Edwards.

succession box | title=US Senator (Class 2) from LouisianaElaine S. Edwards (D)| before=Allen J. Ellender (D)| after=J. Bennett Johnston, Jr., (D) | years=August 1 - November 13 1972