Macomb prosecutor Suzanna Shkreli to replace Melissa Gilbert in Michigan's 8th District House race

Shkreli looks to challenge Mike Bishop for spot in Congress

Suzanna Shkreli/Facebook

CLARKSTON, Mich. – A Macomb County assistant prosecutor plans to seek a U.S. House seat for Michigan after former "Little House on the Prairie" star Melissa Gilbert dropped her run.

Suzanna Shkreli, 29, of Clarkston is being introduced as a replacement candidate for Gilbert, who was the only Democrat challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop in the 8th District.

Recommended Videos



In May, Gilbert announced that health problems forced her out of the race. She played Laura Ingalls on "Little House on the Prarie" in the 1970s and 1980s.

When asked about why she wants to run for Congress, Shkreli talked about her personal journey.

“As a Prosecutor, I take on tough fights every day, and in the courtroom I see the failures of our Congress to address the needs of working families, whether it be access to good-paying jobs, an affordable education, or a secure retirement,” said Shkreli.

“We face real challenges in Michigan, and as a first-generation American who worked my way through college and law school with help from student loans, I’ve seen a lot of those challenges in my own life. That’s why I cannot sit back and allow a broken Congress continue to ignore the needs of working families in Michigan, by refusing to take on any tough fights.

“I’ve dedicated my career to giving back, and I plan to hit the ground running, talking to voters, and putting together a strong campaign that will win in November.”

The win for Shkreli would be huge for the Democratic party as a democrat has not held a seat in the 8th District since current Senator Debbie Stabenow in 2000.