Republican · Georgia's 10th District · 2026
Houston Gaines
Gaines grew up in Athens, where his grandfather served as a Superior Court judge.
Biography
Houston Gaines grew up in Athens, where his grandfather, Joseph Gaines, served as a Superior Court judge in Clarke and Oconee counties.1 He still lives in Athens, and he and his wife, Gabrielle, attend Athens Church.1 His campaign traces the family's northeast Georgia roots to the eighteenth century.1
At the University of Georgia, Gaines served as student body president, and the university named him to its 40 Under 40 list in 2022.1 His work outside politics has centered on growing businesses, including his current role with Carter Engineering in Oconee County.1 He has served in the Georgia House since 2019.1
Gaines was the lead House sponsor of 2021 House Bill 286, which became law and restricts local government reductions in police funding, with specified exceptions.2 His congressional campaign favors stronger immigration enforcement, greater support for law enforcement, lower federal spending and taxes, and protections for gun ownership.3
On digital assets, he proposes clearer rules for stablecoins as part of efforts to expand Georgia's financial technology industry.3 He faces Democrat Pam DeLancy for Georgia's 10th District seat.4 Gaines also emphasizes American manufacturing, military strength and support for farmers, presenting his state legislative experience and work with local businesses as the background he would bring to Congress.31