Introduction
Edward M. "Ted" Gaines (born April 25, 1958) is a California State Senator, representing the 1st Senate district. He won a January 4, 2011, special election to replace the late Dave Cox and took office two days later. Prior to his election to the Senate, Gaines was a California State Assemblyman, representing the 4th Assembly district, which is centered on the suburbs of Placer County, which are located east of Sacramento. Gaines succeeded longtime local politician Tim Leslie in the Assembly.
Political philosophy and views
A Republican, Gaines is an opponent of what he describes as "big government social programs."Gaines, a local businessman, holds views on issues that can be generally classified as conservative, which puts him in line with the area's leanings (Placer County has not voted for a Democratic nominee for President since Jimmy Carter).
Private sector
Gaines is the owner of Gaines Insurance located in Roseville, California.
2008 congressional election
Gaines formed an exploratory committee in Fall of 2007 to run against longtime congressman John Doolittle, who many Republicans feared could not win reelection due to a number of scandals. However, before Doolittle announced he was retiring, Gaines announced he had decided to instead run for a second term in the State Assembly, for which he had neither a primary nor general election opponent.
2014 Insurance Commissioner election
Gaines ran for California Insurance Commissioner in 2014 against Democratic incumbent Dave Jones. They both advanced to the general election, which Jones won by 4,038,165 votes (57.5%) to 2,981,951 (42.5).
Private life
Gaines and his wife, Beth, who has also served in politics, currently live in El Dorado Hills with their six children.