Suzana Shkreli, attorney and former congressional candidate, has officially announced her candidacy for Michigan Secretary of State as a Democrat. With this step, she becomes the latest Albanian-American to seek a key statewide office in the United States.

In her announcement, Shkreli emphasized that election integrity and the protection of democratic institutions will be at the core of her campaign.

“My parents came to this country to escape authoritarianism. Now, as these threats begin to surface here as well, I am ready to defend our democracy, protect our Constitution, and ensure the right to vote for every Michigander” she said.

Her candidacy comes at a time when voting rights and the administration of elections are central topics in American political discourse, with states across the country navigating new challenges in safeguarding voter access.

Within the first 24 hours of launching her campaign, Shkreli reported significant early support. She announced that her team raised more than $200,000 in a single day — a strong sign of momentum.

“I am so excited to announce that our campaign is growing fast and we have raised more than $200,000 within 24 hours of launching! This momentum is directly because of you, so thank you. We will protect Michigan’s elections, together!” she wrote.

Shkreli has a respected background in public service and remains a well-known figure in the Albanian-American community. In 2016, she was the only Albanian-American candidate running for the U.S. Congress, earning the support of the Clinton family during that race.