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He Voted for Trump Twice. Now He’s Running for Senate as a Democrat. (w/ Kyle Sweetser)

2026-05-02 News & Politics
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Description

Sarah Longwell is joined by Kyle Sweetser, a former Trump voter and lifelong Republican who is now running for Senate in Alabama as a Democrat. Sweetser explains how Trump-era tariffs impacted his business, why January 6 pushed him into political activism, and why he believes Democrats can compete in deep red states by directly challenging MAGA politics instead of avoiding the fight. They also talk about the political realities of running in Alabama, Trump’s standing with voters, immigration rhetoric, working-class frustrations, and Sweetser’s strategy for winning over disaffected Republicans in a state Trump carried by more than 30 points. For a limited time, listeners can get an exclusive $25 off AuraFrame's best-selling Carver Mat frame at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARKTAKES with code BULWARKTAKES. Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego on 5/20 and LA on 5/12: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events Become a Bulwark Youtube Plus Member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ/join

Top Comments (10)

@bernadettewood8880 2026-05-02

Good luck Buddy, you will need it in Alabama and Alabama needs you. Just tell them the truth.

155 13 replies
@EddyA1337 2026-05-02

I'm a 6'4" white dude that agrees with this guy in that we need immigrants. Our economy would collapse without them, and the US doesn't have a high enough birth rate to survive without immigration. Logic aside. If you're willing to come to the United States, pursue the American Dream and not commit crimes. C'mon over! I'd love for you to contribute to our economy and build a wholesome family in the process!

55 6 replies
@ronl707 2026-05-02

Go Kyle!!!!!!!!!

54 1 replies
@maryharris8050 2026-05-02

Good conversation. I live in Northwest Florida, next door to Alabama. Strong candidate: more power to him!

52 8 replies
@Silotaw 2026-05-02

For the first time EVER in the history of this country, they are trying to deport to a third country A 10 YEAR OLD BOY!!! These people have NO HEART…NO CONSCIENCE!!!

46
@trippeddownthestairs8238 2026-05-02

Kyle is probably more conservative than I would personally prefer in a candidate, but maybe that works in Alabama. I am an Independent and I am not a big fan of purity tests. I am fine with the coalition having some ideological diversity, as long as we are all united in fighting for democracy. With that said, it is great that you want to hold the executive branch to account. They definitely need to be reigned in. But you MUST talk about affordability and corruption, and you need to tie those issues together.

36 4 replies
@mkmitty 2026-05-02

I have a difficult time trusting anyone who voted for Trump, especially if they did it twice. Chances are they are either bitter, hateful, or gullible...any of which is dangerous in a person holding political office.

34 5 replies
@Marcel-g1d2b 2026-05-02

WISHING HIM "ALL THE BEST"!!!!!!! GOD BE WITH HIM!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

31
@heavyzhouston2758 2026-05-02

The thing I worry about is the possibility that any "former" Republican running as Democrat will end up being another Fetterman, Sinema, or Manchin. What guarantee do the voters have that this guy wont just end up being another neoliberal conservative Democrat that has a thin veneer of progressive social values, but underneath the hood is a full blown conservative?

17 2 replies
@marymurphy233 2026-05-02

Welcome to the right side of history. I got to say, though, I'm always bothered by Republicans who need something that directly affects them personally to start changing their minds. Don't get me wrong, we probably need this guy in Alabama.

16 1 replies

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