Ed Gainey

Edward Gainey (born February 19, 1970) is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, serving since 2013. In 2012, Gainey defeated his former boss, Joseph Preston, Jr., in a Democratic primary. Gainey has also served as a community development specialist for Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, and as the Chairman of the Pittsburgh Democratic Committee. He has represented the 24th District since 2013. His district includes many majority African American neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, including Homewood, East Liberty, East Hills, and Lincoln-Lemington, plus the similar adjacent municipality of Wilkinsburg.

Gainey grew up in East Liberty and is a graduate of Peabody High School. He holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Morgan State University. Gainey long held the job of legislative aide to State Representative Joseph Preston, Jr.. He later took a position with the City of Pittsburgh in a community and economic development role, focusing on enhancing minority business opportunities and bettering relationships with the police. In 2010, he became chairman of the city's Democratic Party committee. Gainey challenged his former boss Rep. Preston three times before prevailing in the 2012 Democratic primary. Gainey is a member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.

On January 22, 2016, Gainey's younger sister Janese Talton-Jackson, 29 years old, was shot dead in Pittsburgh by a man who followed her out of a bar.