Ed Boyle began his career as a miner in Missouri, where he participated in a strike, indicating his early involvement in labor movements. He later moved to Oklahoma, where he worked on a gubernatorial campaign and was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Boyle then transitioned to a regulatory role, serving as Chief Mine Inspector from 1911 to 1927, showcasing his commitment to labor safety and industry oversight. Despite being admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association, he chose not to practice law. His political career culminated in a run for Oklahoma governor as an independent in 1926.

Ed Boyle's political identity is marked by a unique blend of labor advocacy and independent political action. His involvement in the 1898 miner's strike and work on William Goebel's 1899 campaign underscore a commitment to labor rights and progressive economic policies. Despite this, his decision to run for Oklahoma governor as an independent in 1926 reveals a willingness to transcend party lines for what he perceives as the greater good. Boyle's tenure as Chief Mine Inspector from 1911 to 1927, despite not practicing law after joining the Oklahoma Bar Association, further highlights a pragmatic yet principled approach to public service.