Garry South: Political Strategist
Garry South has been one of California’s top political strategists for three decades. He’s handled local, state and federal campaigns, served in the White House, advised governors and presidents, and usually – but not always – emerges victorious in the end.
The Montana-born South has been involved in politics since he was a teen-ager. Unlike many political pros, the blunt-spoken South calls a spade a spade, as you’ll quickly see in this interview. He’s also a consummate opposition researcher, perhaps the best in California, and he is as quick to spot flaws in his own clients as he is in his opponents.
He’s also a political historian and an adept user of the political press – two qualities appreciated by the state’s political reporters.
South sat down with journalist Carla Marinucci in his Marina del Rey home for an extensive interview, part of the Open California Oral History Project. The interview was conducted on October 26, 2023; it has been edited for clarity and continuity. This program was made possible by a grant from the California State Library.
Presented in three parts.