Name: Houston Gaines
Family: Fiancée, Gabrielle Deliz; parents, Joe and Vicki; brother, Joseph; sister and brother-in-law, Adrianne and Matt Beacham and nephews Jackson and Gaines
Hometown: Athens, Georgia
Current Town: Athens, Georgia
What Years at UGA: 2013-2017
School/Degree: Terry College – Economics; SPIA – Political Science
Profession: Business – Carter Engineering; State Representative
Accolades: UGA 40 under 40; Council of State Governments 20 under 40; Top Lawmaker (James magazine); UGA FACS Appreciation Award; 2024 National Down Syndrome Congress Honoree; Key to the City, Athens, Georgia
What life lessons did you learn while at UGA? I learned so much in and out of the classroom at UGA. It was the greatest opportunity to attend what I consider the finest University in the country. More than anything, you learn about people. Interacting with every sort of person – from college administrators to professors to students – it’s amazing how individuals with so many different life stories can create such a positive atmosphere and community.
What professor did you most admire? Charles Bullock. Dr. Bullock is a wealth of knowledge. He has both the academic and practical knowledge that students are looking for. Dr. Bullock knows everyone in the state of Georgia, and everyone respects him. He’s taught me so much in and out of the classroom. His reputation in Georgia politics is unmatched, and I’m grateful to have learned from him and to call him a friend and mentor.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I’m most proud of the things I’ve done that have truly made a difference in people’s lives – whether that’s legislation we passed to help victims of domestic violence and human trafficking or whether it was passing legislation that created a Cold Case Unit to crack unsolved homicides or whether it’s helping individuals with issues they face with state agencies or other everyday issues. That’s why I continue to serve in the State House.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
There are too many historical figures to name that I admire. Related specifically to UGA and higher education in the state, I especially admire Zell Miller. His work on the HOPE scholarship has helped transform UGA into the school it is today. His visionary leadership was transformative for our state.
Who are your heroes in real life? My mentor growing up was Coach Dan Magill, the greatest Bulldawg of them all. I was lucky to attend every home UGA football game with him for six years, and he taught me so much. I certainly wouldn’t be the person I am today without his mentorship, wisdom, and willingness to take me under his wing.
Quote to live by: “Work while it is called today for the night cometh wherein no man can work.” — Thomas Carlyle
What is your idea of perfect happiness? It’s Saturdays in the fall when Georgia tees it up between the hedges. There is nothing better than a big win in Sanford Stadium.
What is your most marked characteristic? I enjoy listening and learning from people who have made an impact – hearing their stories, understanding how they changed their communities. My hope is that I’m able to follow in their footsteps and do good in my community.
What do you most value in your friends? Loyalty. A good friend will always be loyal to you and be willing to accept the consequences that go along with that loyalty. Loyalty also means those friends will tell you when you’re wrong and they’ll support you when you’re down. Unfortunately, we live in a world where loyalty often goes by the wayside.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I’m a little bit of a workaholic, so I wish at times I could relax a bit more.
Who are your favorite writers? Of course, the Bulldawg Illustrated’s very own Jeff Dantzler is at the top of the list. Jeff was another mentor of mine growing up – Jeff is an incredible person and a dear friend to the entire Gaines family. I’m a guy who enjoys columns, so I’d have to say my favorite writers are really skilled columnists. There are too many great political and sports columnists to list, but that is where I enjoy learning and reading.
Fave social media and who to follow? Social media wise, I’m on Twitter (X), Facebook and Instagram. I’m not a TikTok person. X is where I get a lot of my news, Facebook and Instagram are more for keeping up with family and friends. Lots of great UGA sports and Georgia politics follows.