Gary Lewis is a man whose path defies conventions; a creative thinker, a sharp observer of politics, and someone whose story arcs from the American South to campaign trails with one of music’s most enigmatic minds. Raised by the strength of his grandmother and aunt, Gary credits his roots for giving him a deep understanding of community, belief, and resilience. He’s studied law, served in the military, and been on the frontlines of a presidential campaign most of us only witnessed from headlines. But this isn’t a story about controversy; his story is one of intentional growth, boldness, and an unbreakable, unshakable will to shape a better future for his community and country at large.

JR: What was your childhood like?

I was raised by my grandma and aunt. I played video games and sports just like any other kid and ate real good southern food. My cousins were right next door, so they were like brothers. I had to go to church, so I found out about God at a young age. Being raised in the South, I was raised around real people. I was raised by the community — which has pros and cons.

JR: Why did you enlist in the military?

I enlisted in the military right after school because I didn’t like school. I didn’t want to work a regular job. One of my older friends at the time had gone to the Army and came home with nice cars, clothes, and had all the girls. I was like, "Dang, I wanna be like that," ya know, thinking from an 18-year-old perspective.

JR: How did your academic path unfold after that?

I earned a pre-law degree in college because I found out how much the military would pay me to go to school. I was interested in becoming an attorney, so I transferred to a 4-year political science program because it took all my credits. I did a year of law school but it wasn’t for me at all… Plus I’m way more lit now (laughs).

JR: How did you meet Ye?

I met Ye through one of my friends. We went down to Charleston and the rest was history. Life hasn’t been the same since.

JR: What did you believe in most about the campaign?

The mission behind it was a powerful, wealthy Black man doing whatever he wants to do. He wanted to run for president and he’s over the age of 35, so why not? He’s full of ideas. I very much believed in it. It’s time for a change. It’s always the same type of person in these seats. It’s time to innovate.

JR: What was something surprising about how it all worked behind the scenes?

It was semi-structured… Things nobody thinks about, like the stage companies, the background interior design companies, even the background music that’s playing before. There was a choir that was hired and paid. It’s a lot that goes into it. The security teams, etc. As far as headlines, some were accurate, some were not.

JR: Do you still believe in America’s potential?

America needs me, lol. For sure — someone like Ye or Elon. People who are leaders and have their own thoughts. Not monkey-see-monkey-do type people. America needs innovators, not the same old boring leaders that are all talk and no action. I visit the White House every year, so I see what it is.

JR: What surprised you the most about politics and power?

Nothing really surprises me anymore. I don’t put anything past anything or anyone. Trump definitely broke down that wall. I feel like anyone can be president at this point with the right influence and resources.

JR: What are your goals now?

My goals right now… I want a wife and my own family, which I have somewhat. I want my own estate as well. I own a few houses and recently bought some land. I have a daughter named Kaylee. I’m dating, but not married; almost, a few times. Being over 30 now, I’ve done a lot. I’ve got the nice cars, had all the finest women, traveled to everywhere I’ve wanted to go, shopped at all the nicest stores, to the 5th Avenues and Rodeo Drives. It’s cool, but it gets somewhat old. I care about my home life. I care about my business as well. I’m also waiting for Ye to get back to touring and being in America so I’ll be ready when I get that call. I’m about to put myself back in the limelight so starting here with you, my guy, lol. I still keep in contact with all the guys from Yeezy including my good friend Justin Laboy, we talk on the regular.

JR: What advice would you give to someone questioning what they’ve been taught?

Go find out on your own. Don’t just go off what you’ve been taught and heard. Go get in-person experience, because in person vs. social media and TV is totally different.

JR: What do you wish people better understood about you?

What people most misunderstand about me is they should come get their own view about me. There’s a method to my madness and reason. What I would want them to know instead is that I don’t give a damn what they think, and to continue watching the show. (And we can end it like that, lol.)

Gary Lewis doesn’t fit into neat little ticky tacky boxes and that’s entirely the point. His life speaks to those who refuse to settle, who believe in building rather than following, and who choose clarity of purpose over comfort. Raised by women who taught him strength, shaped by experiences that sharpened his perspective, and carried by ambition still unfolding, Gary Lewis invites the world to stay tuned not for the spectacle, but for the evolution.