Brian Jerome Gaines (born 1981/1982)[1] is an American civil servant and politician who currently serves as the Comptroller General of South Carolina.

[5] Gaines's appointment prevented a constitutional crisis; since the office was vacant, no person could authorize the distribution of funds.

[6][7] From Barnwell, Gaines graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelors of arts in political science in 2004 and with a masters in public administration in 2006.

[13] Richard Eckstrom, who held the office of comptroller general for 20 years, resigned on April 30, 2023, after a $3.5 billion accounting error.

He's not a political person, and everyone we discussed this with has great respect and confidence in Mr. Gaines.”[4] Former chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, Trav Robertson, released a statement on Twitter thanking McMaster and Grooms for the appointment of Gaines.