Randal Gaines for State Representative
Randal Gaines announced today that he will be a candidate for State Representative, District 57 in this fall’s election. The district covers parts of St. John the Baptist and St. Charles Parishes.
“Our district needs a strong leader who is prepared to take decisive action from his first day on the job,” Gaines said. “Leadership isn’t bought, inherited or given. Leadership is earned through hard work, dedication and perseverance. I am prepared to lead, prepared to work and prepared to get things done for the people of District 57.”
Gaines said if elected, one of his first priorities will be to introduce legislation and initiatives to enhance economic development and job training efforts. “I will work tirelessly to attract good-paying jobs to our area and to ensure that our workforce is properly trained to fill these positions. This in turn will enhance our tax base and allow for the further revitalization of public education, including increases in teacher and support staff pay.”
As State Representative, Gaines will hold regular town hall meetings and actively seek the input of people from throughout the area on proposed legislation and accept suggestions on how the state can better deliver services.
“Having worked my way through college and law school and with 28 years in the military, I understand and appreciate what it means to show up for work and take your responsibilities seriously. That’s exactly what I will do as your State Representative,” Gaines said. “I served in Operation Desert Storm and led part of the evacuation of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina as Medical Support Coordinator. As the last soldier to leave the Superdome after it was evacuated, I know what it means to stick with a job until it is finished and see things through. That’s the kind of State Representative I’ll be - one that is responsive to your needs and gets things done.”
Gaines has worked as a tax attorney with the Internal Revenue Service, as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of New Orleans and as Associate Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Department at Southern University. He was admitted to the bar in 1986 and currently maintains a private law practice, assisting people of the River Parishes with a wide variety of legal issues.
“A large portion of the duties of a State Representative deal with introducing, understanding and voting on potential laws that affect nearly every facet of our
lives,” Gaines said. “My legal training and experience is another asset I will use to help you as your voice in the legislature.”
Gaines graduated from Lutcher High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Southern University as well as a Juris Doctor from the Southern University Law School. He is currently serving a six-year term as a member of the Southern University Board of Supervisors, having been appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal in 2009.
“I submit that my education, proven leadership skills and record of service to our community, state and country uniquely qualifies me to serve you as your State Representative. I humbly ask for your support and vote.”
Gaines served three years in the United States Army and 25 years in the Louisiana National Guard, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel and was the Executive Officer of the Louisiana Medical Command and Medical Support Coordinator – Task Force Orleans during Hurricane Katrina rescue and recovery operations.
He was awarded the Army Commendation and Kuwait Liberation Medals for his service in Operation Desert Storm as well as the Louisiana War Cross and the Louisiana Cross of Merit for his service during Hurricane Katrina. Gaines serves as treasurer for the national Southern Christian Leadership Conference and was named as an Outstanding Young Man of America. He is a member of the Lutcher High School Hall of Fame. Gaines also serves as an honorary member of the Winbush/Christwell Scholarship Foundation, which provides educational opportunities to local students. He is a member of the River Region Chamber of Commerce and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Gaines serves as a Deacon at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.
He and his wife, Dr. Camalyn Gaines are the parents of three children and reside in LaPlace.