[1] Gates began her political career by working with suffrage organizations in Kanawha County, distinguishing herself as an activist and gaining respect in the community.

She remained politically active after women gained the right to vote and established herself as a successful voice for the Democratic Party in her area of West Virginia.

[1] During her first speech as a member of the West Virginia Legislature, Gates commented, “Women in most states are awakening to their political responsibilities.

[1][3] Although Gates did not seek reelection for her seat in the Legislature, she continued to remain politically active and served on the city and county Democratic committees.

She was a delegate to the 1932 National Democratic Convention in Chicago when Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated as the candidate for President of the United States.