Cedric Gates facts for kids

Cedric Solosolo Asuega Gates is a politician from Hawaii. He is a member of the Democratic Party and serves in the Hawaii House of Representatives for District 45. He was first elected to this important role in 2016.

About Cedric Gates

Early Life and School

Cedric Gates has a mixed background. His family comes from both African-American and American Samoan cultures. His mother, Easter Asuega Gates, passed away in 2006. His father, William Gates, passed away in 2014. His family says he is the great-grandson of Solosolo Mauga Asuega. Solosolo Mauga Asuega was a very important leader, known as the High Chief of Pago Pago.

Cedric went to Waianae High School. After high school, he studied at Leeward Community College. In 2013, the Governor of Hawaii, Neil Abercrombie, recognized him. He was honored for being an "Outstanding Advocate for Children and Youth." This means he was a great supporter of young people.

His Journey in Politics

In 2014, Cedric Gates first ran for office. He ran as a candidate for the Green Party in District 44. He did not win that election. The person who won was Jo Jordan.

In 2016, Cedric ran against Jo Jordan again. This time, he ran as a Democratic Party candidate. There was some discussion about his candidacy. This was because he had run for the Green Party before. However, Cedric won the Democratic primary election against Jo Jordan. Then, he won the general election against Marc Pa'aluhi. During his 2016 campaign, his posters faced some damage.

When Cedric Gates started his term, he was only 23 years old. This made him the youngest person in the state legislature at that time. After his first term, he was reelected in 2018 and again in 2020. In 2024, Cedric Gates ran for a seat in the Hawaii State Senate for District 44. He was not elected, losing to Samantha DeCorte.