Ed FitzGerald holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University Bloomington and Ohio State University, followed by a Juris Doctor from Cleveland–Marshall College of Law. He began his career in public service as a staff assistant for a U.S. Representative and the Indiana secretary of state. FitzGerald then served as a special agent for the FBI before transitioning to local government roles, including nine years on the Lakewood city council and four as its mayor. His leadership culminated in his election as the first county executive of Cuyahoga County, where he implemented significant reforms and economic development initiatives.

Ed FitzGerald's political philosophy is marked by a blend of local governance innovation and ethical rigor. He champions regional economic collaboration while simultaneously enforcing a strict code of ethics monitored by an inspector general, revealing a dual focus on community engagement and accountability. His approach to public safety through a sheriff community policing unit suggests a localized, trust-building strategy. FitzGerald's significant investment in a college savings program underscores a forward-thinking stance on education, hinting at a broader commitment to long-term community development.