Edwin E. Roberts graduated from California State Normal School and began his career as an educator, teaching in California and Nevada. He transitioned to law, practicing in Carson City, Nevada, and later served as the district attorney for Ormsby County. Roberts held a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he notably opposed U.S. entry into World War I. He also served as mayor of Reno for over a decade, being reelected multiple times.

Edwin E. Roberts's political identity is marked by a distinctive blend of local governance dedication and an isolationist economic stance. His tenure as Mayor of Reno, spanning over a decade, underscores a deeply rooted commitment to local issues, while his opposition to U.S. entry into World War I highlights an isolationist approach to international economic entanglements. Roberts's political career, characterized by multiple unsuccessful bids for higher office, reveals a consistent focus on local matters and a reluctance to engage in broader national conflicts.