{"id":14801,"date":"2026-10-26T19:22:06","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T03:22:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inedc.com\/26\/?p=14801"},"modified":"2026-10-26T19:31:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T03:31:14","slug":"al-soto-endorses-ted-gaines-for-supervisor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inedc.com\/26\/government\/al-soto-endorses-ted-gaines-for-supervisor\/","title":{"rendered":"Al Soto Endorses Ted Gaines for Supervisor"},"content":{"rendered":"

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif.<\/strong> \u2014 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\u2019 commitment to public service, responsible growth and the needs of future generations.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019 approach to public service, his attention to long-term community challenges and his concern for children and young people.<\/p>\n

Public Service and Preparation<\/h3>\n

Soto said he values what he sees as Gaines\u2019 willingness to study issues, research facts and carefully consider decisions before acting.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor Ted, public service isn\u2019t simply a job. It\u2019s a way of life,\u201d Soto said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The endorsement reflects Soto\u2019s personal assessment of Gaines\u2019 character and leadership. His remarks did not offer specific examples of individual county policy decisions or measurable outcomes to substantiate those assessments.<\/p>\n

Growth, Housing and Infrastructure<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s character.<\/p>\n

He said Gaines understands the importance of those questions and supports what Soto considers a responsible approach to growth.<\/p>\n

Those concerns are relevant to communities across El Dorado County, where decisions about development, housing, transportation and public infrastructure can affect residents\u2019 daily lives and the county\u2019s long-term direction.<\/p>\n

Soto did not identify specific proposals from Gaines on housing, infrastructure or land-use policy in his endorsement remarks.<\/p>\n

Children and the Next Generation<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

As a former high school football coach and a pastor, Soto said those issues carry particular importance for him.<\/p>\n

He argued that local leadership should consider not only the county\u2019s immediate needs but also whether its decisions will create opportunities for children and young adults to thrive in the years ahead.<\/p>\n

Soto did not outline specific youth-related programs or policy commitments in the statement.<\/p>\n

Endorsement Was Soto\u2019s Idea, He Says<\/h3>\n

Soto emphasized that he initiated the endorsement rather than responding to a request from Gaines.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis video was my idea. Ted did not ask me to make it,\u201d Soto said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He added that he reached out because he believed in Gaines and wanted to share his perspective with the community.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

His message closed with an appeal for civility during the campaign.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur children are watching how we behave, especially when we disagree,\u201d Soto said. \u201cLet\u2019s show them that strong convictions and mutual respect can go hand in hand.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Soto asked residents to consider voting for Gaines while encouraging the community to maintain respectful conversations regardless of political differences.<\/p>\n