Interviewed by Rafael Floqi/
In the heart of Michigan’s 10th Congressional District, a new name is emerging in American politics: Robert Lulgjuraj. Born in the United States to a family with proud roots in Malësia e Madhe, Lulgjuraj represents a new generation of Albanian-Americans seeking a voice at the center of American decision-making. A former prosecutor, a conservative Republican, and a proud Albanian-American, Lulgjuraj has launched a grassroots campaign that is quickly gaining momentum. Backed by community leaders, family, and friends, he hopes to make history as the first Albanian-American ever elected to the United States Congress.
His campaign emphasizes direct engagement with voters, a message rooted in traditional American values, and a strong commitment to both his district and his heritage. In this in-depth conversation with ALBTVUSA, Robert Lulgjuraj shares his personal journey, the values that guide him, his campaign vision, and his message to both the Albanian-American community and the wider electorate of Michigan and beyond.
Q: Robert, thank you for joining us. To begin, what inspired you to run for Congress in Michigan’s 10th District?
Thank you for having me. The decision to run wasn’t something I took lightly. I was working as a prosecutor in Wayne County, handling some of the toughest cases, and I could have continued my career there. But I felt a deeper calling. I looked at what was happening in our country — the division, the attacks on faith, family, and freedom — and I realized that we need more ordinary Americans, people who come from working-class families, to step up and represent their communities.
I come from humble roots. My grandmother worked as a dishwasher in Greektown, my parents sacrificed everything so their children could succeed. That story isn’t unique to me; it’s the story of so many immigrants who came here for the American dream. Now, I want to fight to preserve that dream in Congress.
Q: You mentioned leaving your job as a prosecutor. That’s a big sacrifice. What convinced you to take that leap?
Honestly, faith and conviction. When you’re running for Congress, you can’t do it halfway. I knew that if I was going to ask people to trust me with their vote, I had to give them 100 percent of my effort. So I quit my job, put my career on hold, and dedicated myself full-time to this campaign.
That’s not easy — it means giving up a steady paycheck, stepping into uncertainty, and relying on the strength of your community. But I believe this is what God is calling me to do. We don’t get many chances in life to make history. This is one of those moments, not just for me personally, but for the Albanian-American community and for the people of Michigan’s 10th District.
Q: Community support seems to be at the heart of your campaign. What role are Albanian-Americans playing in this journey?
The Albanian-American community has been incredible. For decades, we’ve been building businesses, raising families, and contributing to Michigan in countless ways. But we’ve never had one of our own representing us in Congress. I think it’s time. At every fundraiser, every gathering, I see Albanians coming together — not just out of pride, but out of recognition that we need a voice in Washington. We care deeply about issues like immigration, family unification, economic opportunity, and religious freedom. Those aren’t just Albanian issues; they’re American issues. But having someone in Congress who understands our unique journey makes a huge difference.
Q: Some supporters say it’s “long overdue” for Albanians to have representation in Washington. How do you view that responsibility?
Robert Lulgjuraj: I see it as both an honor and a responsibility. It’s true — it’s long overdue. We’ve had Albanian-Americans succeed in business, academia, and community leadership, but not yet in Congress. If elected, I would be the first, and I don’t take that lightly.
It’s not just about ethnicity, though. It’s about values. Albanians understand freedom better than most because we know what it’s like to come from places where freedom was denied. That makes us strong advocates for liberty, faith, and democracy. If I win, I won’t just be representing Albanians. I’ll be representing every working family, every patriot, every person who believes in the American dream.
Q: Beyond the Albanian community, how have other groups in your district responded to your campaign?
The response has been overwhelming. At our fundraisers, we don’t just see Albanians. We see neighbors, coworkers, friends, Republicans, independents, even some Democrats who are disillusioned with the direction of their party. People tell me all the time: “Robert, we may struggle to pronounce your last name, but we understand your values.” And that’s what matters most. My last name might be hard to spell, but my values are easy to understand: faith, family, freedom, law and order, and opportunity for all. Those values resonate far beyond the Albanian community.
Q: You’re running as a conservative Republican. How do you see your role within today’s Republican Party?
Robert Lulgjuraj: I am proudly a conservative Republican. But let me be clear — I’m not a career politician, and I’m not part of the establishment. I’m part of the grassroots.
I believe in the “America First” agenda because it puts working families ahead of special interests. That means securing our borders, supporting law enforcement, creating jobs, cutting taxes, and putting America’s interests above globalist elites. I was proud to support President Donald J. Trump, the best president of my lifetime. He proved that you don’t have to be part of the political elite to lead. You just need courage and love for your country. That’s what I hope to bring to Washington.
Q: Some people argue that politics today is too polarized. How would you work across the aisle if elected?
Look, polarization is real. But I believe there’s still room for common ground. At the end of the day, families want the same things: safety, prosperity, opportunity for their children. Those aren’t partisan values.
That being said, I won’t compromise on core principles. I’ll work with anyone who’s serious about solving problems, whether they’re Republican or Democrat. But I won’t sell out my community for political convenience. My job is to be the voice of the people who elected me.
Q: You’ve received endorsements from local leaders like Clinton Township Treasurer Dr. Mike Ayello and activists like Mark Stanaj. How important is that support?
Robert Lulgjuraj: It’s huge. When respected community leaders step forward and say, “We trust Robert,” it builds confidence. Dr. Ayello has known my family for decades. Mark Stai has been a tireless Republican activist. Their support means we’re not just running a campaign — we’re building a movement. But endorsements alone don’t win elections. What really matters is the people — volunteers, donors, neighbors who open their homes for fundraisers, people who knock on doors. This campaign is powered by ordinary citizens, and that’s why I believe we’re going to win.
Q: Let’s talk about your strategy. How are you planning to reach voters across such a large district?
Simple: one door, one voter at a time. I’ve said it from the start — I’ll knock on every door, visit every business, attend every Republican meeting, every church gathering, every grassroots event. This is about being present.
We’ve already hosted multiple backyard fundraisers, each with 20, 30, sometimes 50 people. That may sound small, but it builds momentum. Neighbors talk to neighbors. The word spreads. And that’s how you build a grassroots campaign strong enough to get to Washington.
Q: Campaigns are expensive. How are you approaching fundraising?
You’re right, campaigns are extremely expensive. It takes millions of dollars to compete in today’s politics. But I’m not relying on corporate PACs or special interests. I’m relying on the people. We’ve raised significant funds already, but we have a long way to go. That’s why I ask every supporter to contribute what they can — whether it’s $5 or $5,000. Every dollar matters. And beyond money, we need time and energy: volunteers to knock on doors, make phone calls, spread the word. This is truly a people-powered campaign.
Q: You often emphasize your background as a prosecutor. How does that experience prepare you for Congress?
Working as a prosecutor taught me a lot about justice, accountability, and standing up for what’s right. I spent years in the courtroom fighting for victims, defending law enforcement, and ensuring the rule of law was upheld. That’s the mindset I’ll bring to Congress: fighting for ordinary Americans, standing up for law and order, and refusing to back down when our values are under attack. In politics, just like in the courtroom, you need courage, discipline, and the ability to tell the truth even when it’s unpopular.
Q: If elected, what would be your top priorities in Washington?
My priorities are clear: Secure the Border and Enforce the Law – Without strong borders, we don’t have a nation. Support Working Families – Cut taxes, create jobs, bring manufacturing back to Michigan. Protect Faith and Family – Defend religious liberty, protect life, and strengthen communities. Stand for America First Policies – Put our people ahead of globalist elites and foreign interests. Be a Voice for the Albanian-American Community – Ensure our community finally has a representative who understands our struggles and our dreams.
Q: You’ve described yourself as a “fighter.” What does that mean in the context of your campaign?
Robert Lulgjuraj: It means I don’t give up. My life hasn’t been easy. My family came here with nothing, and everything we have today was earned through hard work and sacrifice. I’ve been underestimated, counted out, and told that success was impossible. But I fought my way through, whether it was in school, in the courtroom, or now in politics.
In Congress, being a fighter means standing up for my district every single day. It means not selling out, not backing down, and always putting people before politics.
Q: Finally, what’s your message to voters as they look ahead to the primary and general election?
My message is simple: This is our moment. For the first time, we have a real chance to send an Albanian-American, a working-class conservative, to the halls of Congress. But I can’t do it alone. I need your prayers, your support, your time, and your vote. If we stand together, we can make history. We can show America what faith, family, and freedom look like. And we can secure a better future not just for Albanians, not just for Michigan, but for every American who still believes in the promise of this country.
Conclusion
As Robert Lulgjuraj continues his journey toward Congress, one thing is clear: his campaign is more than politics. It is a movement rooted in faith, family, and community. Whether he becomes the first Albanian-American in the U.S. Congress remains to be seen, but his candidacy has already energized thousands who believe that now is the time for new voices in Washington.