The Jazz Lewis Interview

What is your morning routine?
A: Normally, I wake up, read Washington Post’s morning 202, eat a quick breakfast, and then pause to put together my to-do list for the day. Balancing being a state legislator while also working for a member of Congress requires me to take more time planning to ensure I address all the needs presented to me each day.

How would you describe what you do?
A: I am blessed to wake up every day as a change agent in my community, in my state, and my country. In the state legislature, I convene my colleagues to find evidenced-based solutions to move us forward on criminal justice reform and wealth equity concerns. In my day job, working as a Senior Advisor to Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, I work on issues of economic mobility, including economic development, transportation issues, housing concerns, and yes, criminal justice reform as well.

What is the last book or article you read?
A: The last book I read was Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, written by Doris Kearns Goodwin. The book catalogs how President Lincoln climbed to power and how he tactically united the warring parties within his administration and in the country. Too often, the change we aim to see are defeated by those who claim to support it. Team of Rivals is an excellent book on how to work together and make change happen.

Identify one trend in your industry you predict will change how business is done?
A: I believe the use of technology, in particular, social media will continue to change how the government operates. I think we’re at the start of a revolution that will change how citizens participate with government, and government’s ability to be more responsive to more citizens in their daily lives.

What’s your favorite productivity habit?
A: I really enjoy taking calls while jogging on the treadmill. Jogging allows me to get things accomplished while forgetting that I’m actually exercising in the process. I strongly recommend it. 

In business what is something that most people learn only after it’s too late?
A: Often, in business and generally in life, people are so focused on the next thing they are pursuing that they do not take care of themselves. As a public official, I cannot be my best self if I have not received proper rest to reflect and refill my stamina. Everyone should have seasons of rest to reflect and rebuild.

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About Delegate Jazz Lewis:

Delegate Jazz Lewis is a lifelong resident of Prince George’s County, MD, and lives in the City of Glenarden with his wife, Aurin. Jazz is an alumnus of the University of Maryland, graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor’s in Government & Politics and 2014 with a Masters of Public Policy. Jazz began his career as a community organizer in Baltimore, which taught him that quality jobs, which pay living wages, change communities.

Jazz is focused on criminal justice reform and economic opportunity to ensure our justice system is fair and that all citizens share in the growth in our economy. Jazz has successfully passed legislation to ban solitary confinement for juveniles, institute police and prison accountability measures, and expand racial wealth equity. He currently works as a Senior Policy Advisor for Majority Leader Congressman Steny Hoyer, tracking issues of criminal justice, small and minority business concerns, housing, and transit matters. Previously, he served as Executive Director of Hoyer’s Maryland political organization.

Jazz’s core philosophy is that organized and active communities produce better outcomes for their children’s education, their local economies, and their public safety. Jazz represents Maryland’s 24th Legislative District, currently serves on the House Judiciary Committee as Chair of the Family Law Subcommittee, and is the Chair of the Maryland House Democratic Caucus.

Social Media:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazzlewis