Charles W. Gates graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy and subsequently became a teacher and principal at Franklin Academy. He founded the Franklin Telephone Company and served as State Highway Commissioner, where he secured appropriations for permanent road construction and maintenance. Gates later served as Governor of Vermont, during which he enacted direct primaries, worker's compensation, and established a junior and senior high school system, as well as a public school vocational education program.

Charles W. Gates's political identity is marked by a blend of progressive economic reforms and educational advancements, with a notable emphasis on infrastructure. His support for direct primaries and worker's compensation reveals an ideological commitment to democratic processes and labor rights. Gates's establishment of a comprehensive junior and senior high school system, along with vocational education, showcases a forward-thinking approach to public education. Interestingly, his tenure as State Highway Commissioner highlights an unexpected convergence with labor interests, as he advocated for permanent road construction and maintenance, suggesting a nuanced strategy to balance economic development with worker welfare.