EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — Al Soto, pastor of New Hope Fellowship in Shingle Springs, is endorsing Ted Gaines for the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors District 4 seat, citing what he described as Gaines’ commitment to public service, responsible growth and the needs of future generations.
In a public endorsement message, Soto drew on his experience as a high school football coach, his five years as director of the Festival of Lights and his work as a chaplain and pastor to explain why he believes Gaines would be the right choice for the county.
Soto said he has known Gaines for many years, dating back to his time in Lincoln and Placer County. He identified three reasons for his support: Gaines’ approach to public service, his attention to long-term community challenges and his concern for children and young people.
Public Service and Preparation
Soto said he values what he sees as Gaines’ willingness to study issues, research facts and carefully consider decisions before acting.
“For Ted, public service isn’t simply a job. It’s a way of life,” Soto said.
Soto characterized Gaines as someone motivated by a commitment to the community and a desire to make decisions he believes will benefit El Dorado County residents.
The endorsement reflects Soto’s personal assessment of Gaines’ character and leadership. His remarks did not offer specific examples of individual county policy decisions or measurable outcomes to substantiate those assessments.
Growth, Housing and Infrastructure
Soto also pointed to the long-term challenges facing El Dorado County, including whether younger residents will be able to afford to remain in the community, how the county will address infrastructure demands and how officials can manage housing and development while preserving the county’s character.
He said Gaines understands the importance of those questions and supports what Soto considers a responsible approach to growth.
Those concerns are relevant to communities across El Dorado County, where decisions about development, housing, transportation and public infrastructure can affect residents’ daily lives and the county’s long-term direction.
Soto did not identify specific proposals from Gaines on housing, infrastructure or land-use policy in his endorsement remarks.
Children and the Next Generation
Soto said conversations with Gaines have repeatedly returned to the needs of children and young people, including the opportunities available to them and the kind of community future generations will inherit.
As a former high school football coach and a pastor, Soto said those issues carry particular importance for him.
He argued that local leadership should consider not only the county’s immediate needs but also whether its decisions will create opportunities for children and young adults to thrive in the years ahead.
Soto did not outline specific youth-related programs or policy commitments in the statement.
Endorsement Was Soto’s Idea, He Says
Soto emphasized that he initiated the endorsement rather than responding to a request from Gaines.
“This video was my idea. Ted did not ask me to make it,” Soto said.
He added that he reached out because he believed in Gaines and wanted to share his perspective with the community.
Soto also said his endorsement was not intended to disparage other candidates. He expressed respect for people willing to seek public office, describing public service as demanding work that requires personal sacrifice.
His message closed with an appeal for civility during the campaign.
“Our children are watching how we behave, especially when we disagree,” Soto said. “Let’s show them that strong convictions and mutual respect can go hand in hand.”
Soto asked residents to consider voting for Gaines while encouraging the community to maintain respectful conversations regardless of political differences.
The endorsement represents Soto’s personal view of the District 4 race. Voters can evaluate candidates by comparing their records, policy proposals and plans for addressing the county’s challenges.
Source: Al Soto’s supplied endorsement statement.
