Earl A. Read III holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island and a master's degree in criminal justice studies from Roger Williams University. He spent nearly three decades in law enforcement with the Warwick Police Department, retiring as a detective lieutenant. Read currently serves as Representative for District 26, focusing on education and veterans' affairs, while also instructing criminal justice at the Regional Career and Technical Center at Coventry High School. His professional background includes roles on the Coventry Juvenile Hearing Board and the Rhode Island Department of Education's Career and Technical Standards Committee.

Earl A. Read III's political identity is marked by a blend of meticulous legislative reform and community-focused initiatives. His introduction of a comprehensive overhaul to the Public Records Administration Act in 2025 demonstrates an ideologically agile approach, balancing transparency with practical administrative needs. Meanwhile, his sponsorship of a moment of silence in schools to honor the September 11 attacks reveals a nuanced stance on national remembrance intersecting with local educational policies. Read's creation of a special commission to study river flooding highlights a localized, problem-solving orientation, balancing environmental concerns with regional economic impacts.