Gaw, a Democrat, is the first to announce his candidacy for Congressman. The slot opened up earlier in the week when Congressman Kenny Hulshof announced his run for governor. Gaw was a state representative from 1992-2000, Speaker of the House in 1996, 1997 and 1999, and Chairman of the Public Service Commission.

As a lawmaker, Gaw sponsored legislation that eliminated taxes on groceries, fought for the development of ethanol plants in Missouri, helped establish Missouri's sex offender registry, helped implement improvements in education such as new opportunities for Missourians to continue their education at vocational and technical schools, junior colleges, and universities.

He was raised in Randolph County and graduated from Moberly High School, Truman State University and the University of Missouri.