In the dimly lit clubs of West Hollywood in 2016, Gerelyn Soto, known as GG, was a familiar face on the reality TV show Vanderpump Rules. Her life, however, would take a dramatic turn from the glitz and drama of reality TV to the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley politics.
Soto’s journey is a tale of transformation, from a wellness influencer to a fervent MAGA supporter, and her influence extends to billionaire tech mogul Sergey Brin. Their story is a microcosm of the broader shift in Silicon Valley’s political landscape.
From Reality TV to Wellness Influencer
Soto’s initial foray into the public eye was through Vanderpump Rules where she was known for her outspoken personality. A memorable scene from 2016 shows her in a heated exchange with a woman named Raquel, with her then-boyfriend, British DJ James Kennedy, caught in the middle. The incident, though seemingly staged, hinted at Soto’s fiery nature.
After leaving Los Angeles for San Francisco in 2018, Soto pivoted to the wellness industry. She obtained a health-coach certification and began sharing wellness content online. Her transformation was further solidified during a retreat in Costa Rica called La Luna which focused on helping women find energetic balance and embrace their feminine energy.
The Political Shift
Soto’s political views underwent a significant change during the pandemic. She became disillusioned with the Democratic Party, citing what she described as the George Floyd riots and the party’s response to COVID. This shift led her to embrace conservative politics and become a vocal supporter of Donald Trump.
By, Soto found herself at the White House, attending a dinner hosted by Trump and his wife, Melania. Seated next to her was her boyfriend, Sergey Brin, the billionaire cofounder of Google. The event was a stark contrast to Brin’s earlier political stance, where he had supported Barack Obama and protested against Trump’s policies.
Brin’s Political Transformation
Brin’s presence at the White House dinner surprised many, given his past political leanings. As an immigrant and refugee from the Soviet Union, Brin had initially found Trump’s election deeply offensive. However, his views shifted dramatically, leading him to support conservative candidates and oppose measures like California’s proposed billionaire tax.
Brin’s political activism extends to backing candidates like Steve Hilton, a British former Fox News host running for California governor with Trump’s endorsement. Hilton and Soto have bonded over their shared belief in the need for economic change in California.
The Influence of Wellness and Politics
Soto’s influence extends beyond politics into the wellness community. She is a supporter of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which has gained traction among wellness influencers. Soto’s social media content mixes MAGA politics with wellness tips, advocating for meat consumption to combat depression and questioning mainstream health advice.
Her overt political stance has made her a polarizing figure. Soto has defended controversial policies and criticized political opponents, often in a style reminiscent of Trump’s rhetoric. Despite her relatively low follower count, her influence within certain circles remains significant.
The political transformation of figures like Soto and Brin reflects a broader trend in Silicon Valley. Tech leaders, once predominantly liberal, are increasingly embracing conservative politics, driven by a mix of personal beliefs and strategic interests. This shift has significant implications for the future of tech policy and the political landscape of California and beyond.
