Houston Gaines is a Republican member of the Georgia House of Representatives representing District 120, which includes parts of Athens and counties such as Jackson, Barrow, and Oconee. Born January 11, 1995, he has served since 2019, initially elected to District 117 before redistricting to District 120 in 2022. Notable achievements include serving as Majority Caucus Vice Chair since 2023, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and Chairperson of the Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee. He is running for U.S. House in Georgia's 10th congressional district in 2026, having raised nearly $1.6 million. Key positions include shrinking government through tax breaks and cuts to social programs, supporting Medicaid work requirements, opposing sanctuary cities, and advocating for property tax refunds related to local government inaction on issues like homelessness and immigration.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from the University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs and Terry College of Business in 2017.
• Early Political Experience: Served as Student Government Association president at the University of Georgia in 2016-2017. Ran unsuccessfully in a 2017 special election for the Georgia House at age 22, losing to Democrat Deborah Gonzalez.
• Legislative Service:
  • Elected to Georgia House District 117 in 2018 , reelected in 2020 .
  • Redistricted to District 120 in 2022; serving 2023-present.
  • Committee roles: Appropriations , Creative Arts & Entertainment, Ethics, Governmental Affairs, Insurance, Public and Community Health, Urban Affairs, Ways & Means; previously Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee , Special Committee on Election Integrity, and others.
• Professional: Director of Business Development at Carter Engineering Consultants ; occupation listed as Financial Services.