Update- so i bought a second coolant temp sensor, and plugged both sensors into both plugs temporarily (so i didnt install the sensors into the housings yet) to see if the gauge would read correctly... still reading all the way hot! Would it make a difference if i installed them correctly into each housing on the car?

I checked for voltage at each sensor, and each of them shows 12V output. Is there another location or another sensor that controls the temperature gauge?

Thanks!