John Alite, once a feared member of the Gambino crime family, is now chasing a very different kind of power—political power. The former mobster turned Republican politician wants to become the first Albanian-American elected to the U.S. Congress.

In an exclusive interview with journalist Xhemajl Rexha for Interaktiv Talks, Alite opened up about his strong ties to Kosovo and Albania, and his new ambitions. Currently serving as a municipal councilman in Englishtown, New Jersey, Alite is aiming for a seat in Congress with full support for Donald Trump and closer U.S.-Albania relations.

“If elected, I’ll fight for stronger ties between the Albanian people and the U.S., and for the unification of Kosovo and Albania” Alite said.

Despite a past that includes years in prison for violent crimes, Alite says he’s left that life behind. A regular visitor to Kosovo, he says he always makes time to pay tribute at the Jashari family home and cemetery, a symbol of Albanian resistance.

Now, he’s hoping the Albanian-American community will back him as he turns a new page—from criminal notoriety to political influence.