The time has come. The time to say NO to business as usual; to strive for excellence, not settle for mediocrity; to hold our public officials to higher standards so that they act in our best interests, not theirs; and to return government back to the people, not the powerful.

The time has come for me to serve my state and country as Georgia’s next Secretary of State, to protect all Georgians and stand up for their rights. I will fight fraud and punish con artists who try to scam hard-working Georgians out of their life savings. I will protect our seniors and crack down on abusive nursing home managers, operators, and administrators. And I will defend every Georgian’s sacred and absolute right to vote.

My story is simple. My reasons sound. My parents instilled in me a deep appreciation for what they and great Americans before them had struggled so hard for—the American Dream. They continually reminded me how precious freedom and democracy are, of how fortunate we are to live in a nation of opportunity where people could run for office, start a business, attend university – all through hard work and determination. I was raised in a strict environment deeply grounded in strong principles and moral values, where my parents impressed upon me the importance of compassion for others and the need to give back to the communities where we live. I developed a keen sense of the rights and responsibilities we American citizens are privileged to know. And I knew then as I know today that I would take advantage of the right we have to participate in the Democratic process and to serve in public office.

I am a Georgian through and through. I was born, raised, educated here, and have worked and settled here. I was born in Carrolton and raised in Dublin. After graduating high school, I went to Emory University where I received a Bachelors Degree in political science and a Masters Degree in Public Health. I attended the University of Georgia, where I received my law degree. My wife, Renee, and I live in Atlanta with our Walker Coonhound – named Peaches.

As an attorney in the Atlanta office of Kilpatrick Stockton LLP, a large international law firm, I know what hard work is and what it takes to be successful. While pursuing a challenging career at Kilpatrick, I have also devoted much of my time and energy to initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial and political robustness of the Atlanta community. I have served on the Board of The Indus Entrepreneurs, a group dedicated to helping and mentoring local entrepreneurs. I helped found the Red Clay Democrats, an organization dedicated to energizing Georgia’s next generation of Democrats. I’m also an active member of The Georgia Bar and The Indus Bar and part of the 2005 L.E.A.D. Atlanta Class of Leadership Atlanta.

As Secretary of State, I will lead the fight to protect every Georgian. This leadership is founded upon deep and abiding Georgian values and calls for each and every one of us to strive for excellence to build the Georgia of tomorrow.

My years of experience in practicing investment, elections, and campaign finance law, as well as my involvement within the Georgia political landscape and my Masters in Public Health all make me uniquely qualified for the role of Secretary of State. I will use this experience to make Georgia a better place for its workers, businesses and citizens.

I am an optimistic New Southern Democrat who will work tirelessly for the good people of Georgia. I believe in solutions, not empty talk. I am fiscally conservative and socially responsible. I represent hope and the American Dream.

Renee and I are excited about embarking on this journey and want you to join us in our campaign to preserve Georgia values. Volunteer by becoming a part of our ground forces—the Reddy Regiment. Encourage your friends and neighbors to jump on the bandwagon and be part of the campaign. There are many ways to participate in the campaign and we encourage you to do so. Your thoughts, prayers, encouragement, time, and participation are much needed and most definitely appreciated. Thank you and God bless.

Shyam Reddy