Jewels Gray

Jewels Gray (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Colorado's 8th Congressional District. She was disqualified from the Republican primary on June 28, 2022.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am not a politician - I am a constitutional conservative, America First Candidate running in Colorado's newest 8th Congressional District!

As a small business owner who has been in management my whole life, I have seen how others like myself have been regulated and taxed to death - unconstitutional mandates through the pandemic have forced many out of business and my industry was all but decimated. I have owned my photography studio for the last 16 years and am one of the lucky ones who made it through Covid.

My children are my life and after seeing how they have been affected in school with Marxist ideology, social justice policies, and sexual grooming, I had to stand up and speak out against it! The blatant disregard for academics is infuriating. One of my biggest fears is when this generation becomes of voting age. The future of this country depends on us putting a stop to indoctrination such as CRT. We must promote patriotism and personal accountability in our youth.

I believe that America is the greatest country ever imagined, but there are so many things wrong with it and it begins with our Government. We must put a stop

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am a Constitutional Conservative, America First Candidate!I am not a politician! We need more business owners in Congress and fewer politicians. I also believe that term limits are long overdue!We The People deserve better! We are tired of do-nothing politicians who squander our tax dollars on special projects and interests, who do not put the needs and interests of the American people FIRST.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a small business owner who has been in management my whole life, I have seen how others like myself have been regulated and taxed to death. Americans just want the government to get out of the way so that we can run our businesses as we see fit! Unconstitutional mandates through the pandemic have forced many out of business and my industry was all but decimated. I have owned my photography studio for the last 16 years and am one of the lucky ones who made it through Covid.

My children are my life and after seeing how they have been affected in school with Marxist ideology, social justice policies, and sexual grooming, I had to stand up and speak out against it! The blatant disregard for academics is infuriating. One of my biggest fears is when this generation becomes of voting age. The future of this country depends on us putting a stop to indoctrination such as CRT. We must promote patriotism and personal accountability in our youth. When concerned parents are considered "domestic terrorists" for pushing back against the school board and those in charge of our children's education and environment, that's a huge problem in my book. Parents deserve and demand transparency!

I believe that America is the greatest country ever imagined, but there are so many things wrong with it and it begins with our Government. We must put a stop to wasteful programs and out of control spending. We MUST have a balanced budget and get things running more efficiently!

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

There are so many people I look up to for one reason or another. I admire those who are not afraid and have the guts to stand up - those misfits who go against the narrative and push back - those who beat the odds and do their absolute best to reach their goals - those who set an example because courage is more infectious than fear.

My mentor, Sal Cincotta - he is a "serial entrepreneur" and is never happy with "good enough". He works harder than anyone else I have ever seen, he is always pushing himself to do better, and is a leader in giving back to the community. He is an inspiration and is always pushing ME to be the best I can be.

Dr. Carol Swain - this amazing woman has a tremendous story and has beat all odds to become a tenured professor, an award-winning author, and a widely recognized expert on several profound topics. She is a voice for parents who want to protect their children from the negative factors of today's culture and gives me and so many others strength and hope!

I can appreciate other Congressmen and Senators in Washington DC. Even when we don't have the House or Senate majority, they are still there every day standing up for America - Jim Jordan, Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Madison Cawthorn, and Colorado's own Lauren Boebert.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

It is amazing to me how many of the things mentioned in this famous speech still ring true in our society today. This is the speech from 1967 when Ronald Reagan became the Governor of California.

https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/january-5-1967-inaugural-address-public-ceremony

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials must have INTEGRITY. The ability to do the right thing when no one is watching is invaluable.

HONESTY - even when mistakes are made, they need to be able to have the humility to admit it, be open-minded to learn from it, and have the resilience to move on from it. Additionally, no one likes or wants a liar.

RESILIENCE - unfortunately, there are people out there that have nothing better to do than to attack you and everything you stand for and believe in. Having the steel spine to handle it with grace is imperative. I know that running for office is not easy and I can only imagine how much harder it is once you get there. Being able to handle the work load is not for the faint of heart.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am excellent with people and have a knack for remembering people's names - I consider it a talent. As a business owner in a competitive industry, I have no choice but to be organized, efficient, focused, and driven. I hold myself and my brand to a higher standard than most, and expect others to do the same. I believe in accountability and expect to be questioned on my intentions and my actions.

An understanding of a wide range of issues is imperative for someone who is in the House of Representatives, along with an eagerness to learn about those that are not known.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Being a Congressman comes with great responsibility. Representing the people of the district with honesty, integrity, and resilience is what the people want. They want you do stand by your values, do what you say you were going to do when you get there, and make it happen! No one wants to be ignored or lied to, so following through with your campaign promises is a MUST. Listening to your constituents is important because people want to feel like they are being HEARD.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I need my children to know that I did not stay silent and that I did everything in my power to protect with makes America great. I will fight for our freedom and liberty, I will stand for the Constitution, and I will do everything in my power to prevent socialism from eroding away our capitalist and freedom loving attitudes.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I was very little at the time, only 3 years old, but I remember when Ronald Reagan was inaugurated! Specifically, I can remember the parade and that my parents told me that we had the same birthday.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

The very first job I ever had was working in a feed store when I was in junior high. I did not get paid and did it so I could hang out with the guinea pigs and birds. I also cleaned stables for my neighbors in High School so I could ride their horses in trade.

Working at a shoe store in the mall was my first paid job. I wasn't there but for a summer and went to work at the movie theater instead. It was great - there were other people my age and I got a couple of my friends a job there. It was a blast - free movies and cheap popcorn.

I have worked in retail, service industry and fast food, a medical office as an office manager, for an industrial/manufacturing company, and as a production manager in the music industry.

What is your favorite book? Why?

This seems silly and not very profound, but honestly my favorite book is "The Twits" by Roald Dahl! I can read that book 1000 times. It was one we had growing up, and I have since shared it with my own children. It reminds me of a simpler time, when life was easier, and people weren't so ugly to each other (which is ironic if you know the book).

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I am a huge fan of the Batman story. He has overcome a past trauma to fight for humanity against evil forces in Gotham City. He is a classy, somewhat pompous, successful businessman by day, and vigilante by night. He is strong, smart, and handsome. He has no natural super-power, but enough tools and gadgets to get the job done. He wears black and drives a super cool car (always). His nemesis is a lunatic clown, and he always gets the girl.

If I could be the female version of Bruce Wayne/Batman, I'm in.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Thunderstruck by AC/DC... it's my ringtone! It gets me going and they are the best rock & roll band in the world.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

My struggle has been that I have had to do everything on my own. It is not easy, but it makes you strong, and for that I am thankful.

Maybe it is also some stubbornness, but I have found that because my standards are so high that most times it is just easier if I do things myself. Assistants have come and gone over the years and this is just due to them not being able to rise to the occasion. I do not like having to micro-manage (nor do I like anyone doing that with me), and I don't have time to babysit. I run a tight ship and expect excellence.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

An effective Congressman must be able to represent their constituents and make decisions based on what is best for them? They should be every day people from all walks of life, determined to work hard and truly want to serve the people who elected them.

Communication skills and a wide array of knowledge from different areas in life are imperative. They must be able to relate to the diverse demographics of their district and lead as such. I also believe that being accessible and relatable go a long way so that people can feel a connection to you.

For example, in Colorado's 8th district, we have a mix of suburbs and rural communities - industrial, small business, agriculture, and oil & gas - families - etc. I believe I have the upper hand in this regard next to my opponents. I grew up in a very small town in Northern (conservative ) California, and also lived in the City of Denver for 20 years. I have had employment in many different industries, and have worked for myself and had to make it hell or high water for the last 16 years. I understand what parents are dealing with and the struggle to keep their children safe in their schools and their communities, especially with rising crime rates. I myself am challenged to keep to a budget at the grocery store and the gas pump.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do not necessarily believe that representatives would have previous experience in government or politics. However, having business knowledge in lieu of would be extremely important. Government is a lot like a business, so this is definitely beneficial.

A lot of people use their offices to move up the political ladder, abandoning those responsibilities for something better. I call them "revolving door" politicians because they are only in it for themselves and have no integrity for disregarding the voters who helped them get into office in the first place.

In addition, and in my opinion, the longer one is in office, the more they would be compromised or "owned" by lobbyists, etc.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

We have so much work to do!

Over the next decade is when today's youth will become of voting age. We must address the anti-American, anti-capitalist indoctrination that is taking place in our classrooms. The emphasis has shifted to putting an importance on social justice issues rather than academics. Our children are failing and with Covid mandates, they are even further behind. IQs are down, overall scores are down, and the teen suicide rate is UP. We must get back to focusing on our children - the future of our nation depends on it!

A more immediate issue is the lack of security. The government's number ONE job is to protect it's citizens. This is not the case here with the issues happening at out Southern border. There is a humanitarian crisis that is being ignored; drugs and undocumented or vetted people are pouring across at a staggering and historical rate, bringing crime directly into our communities. Our immigration laws MUST be upheld and followed.

We have not had a balanced budget in Congress since 2001 when Clinton was our President and we Republicans had the House and Senate majority. Americans are tired of our government squandering our tax dollars. A perfect storm of wasteful programs, horrible policy decisions such as shutting down oil & gas production, and out of control spending has created this massive inflation. Somehow there is plenty of money to go around for things like aid to Ukraine, while every day Americans here are struggling to make ends meet! Quantitative easing is only adding to this disaster and Americans CANNOT AFFORD IT.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I am so excited about getting on these committees once I get into office:

Education and Labor

Small Business

Oversight

Additionally, I would like to become a member of the following Caucuses: Freedom Caucus, 2nd Amendment, Buy American, End Sexual Violence, Oil & Gas, School Safety, and the Motorcycle Caucus (that one sounds awesome #letsride).

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

n/a

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

It would seem that one with only a two year term would be campaigning for a majority of it as opposed to focusing on policy and the other more important roles of the position. Does it make more sense to make it a 4 year term? Perhaps, but the Constitution says that it is a two-year term, so be it.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are long overdue. We cannot let this office become a life-long career. The longer these politicians stay in office, the more out of touch they get with their constituents! It would make sense to have the office be 8-12 years (4-6 terms). I pledge myself to do no more than 10 years if elected.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Jim Jordan is effective, respected, and not afraid to call out injustice when he sees it. Additionally, he is well liked among his Republican colleagues (from what I can tell), and seems like a nice guy. He is knowledgeable and holds himself to a higher standard when talking with and to people. I would be thrilled to emulate Mr. Jordan.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Absolutely - unequivocally, I think of John & Maria Castillo. I met them at a seminar promoting the LifeSpot app and FASTER Colorado which are tools school districts can use to better protect their students in case of an active shooter situation.

They told their story and the entire room hung on to every word. Kendrick Castillo was their son and was a senior at the STEM School here in Colorado. When one of Kendrick's classmates opened fire in their classroom, he immediately and without hesitation sprung into action and stopped the shooter. He was shot and lost his life that day, but he saved countless lives. He was a hero. I cried throughout the entire story told by John, watching his mother in anguish re-living that horrific day.

I was so touched by them and their strength. In fact, I was compelled to talk with them afterwards to thank them for sharing their story.

I am honored that they have endorsed me in this race because they know I am compelled to protect our children too.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I am terrible at remembering jokes! However, I love to go back and forth with my dad on pun's. This one time we had a huge thread where we went from fishing, to the ocean, to jail, rounding it out with sewing, somehow.

My dad's favorite joke is:

Q: What was the last thing to go through the bug's mind when he hit the windshield?

A: His feet!  :

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I believe that compromise is sometimes necessary for policy making, within reason. We should be able to work across the aisle on principles we can find common ground with, and we just hope the other side is as willing to do what is best for the American people. With any good relationship, there has to be compromise or it falls apart. There has to be an equal balance or there will be resentment and problems down the road.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

As an America First candidate and constitutional conservative, I am bound by those two things. A wise man once said, "With great power comes great responsibility", therefore, I would not look at this as "power", but rather "How does this affect Americans directly?" and "Is it within the confines of the Constitution?". Another valuable question would come down to "Freedom over force" - does this allow Americans their freedom or is it something that will be forced upon them? I will always choose FREEDOM.

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