William A. Gaston graduated from Roxbury Latin School and Harvard College, followed by Harvard Law School. He spent a significant portion of his career in the legal field, culminating in his admission to the bar. Additionally, he demonstrated physical prowess by winning Harvard's middleweight boxing championship. His family background includes a notable political figure, his father having served as Governor of Massachusetts.

William A. Gaston's political identity is marked by a blend of traditional New England values with a unique focus on local agricultural interests. His legislative record reveals an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, suggesting a highly localized approach to policymaking. Gaston's background in competitive sports, particularly his Harvard boxing championship, hints at a competitive and perhaps confrontational rhetorical style. His family legacy, with his father serving as Governor of Massachusetts, adds a layer of established influence, yet his policy choices seem to prioritize regional agricultural prosperity over broader ideological commitments.