Kyle Sweetser, a Mobile businessman and former Republican turned Democratic candidate in Alabama’s open 2026 U.S. Senate race, announced the first slate of endorsements for his campaign Tuesday, signaling early momentum in the Democratic primary.
Sweetser’s supporters include Alabama Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, State Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, State Rep. Kenyatte Hassell, D-Montgomery, and State Rep. Patrice “Penni” McClammy, D-Montgomery.
On the national side, several former members of Congress have also endorsed Sweetser, including Parker Griffith, D-AL, Barbara Comstock, R-VA, Adam Kinzinger, R-IL, and Joe Walsh, R-IL, an unusual display of cross-party support in the Yellowhammer State.
Sweetser said the endorsements reflect the broad appeal of his campaign’s message on affordability and accountability at a time when voters are increasingly skeptical of political institutions.
“I am grateful for the trust placed in me by bipartisan leaders across Alabama and our nation. My campaign is focused on making life affordable in Alabama, and holding institutions accountable to the people,” Sweetser said. “Speaking truth to power is getting more dangerous every day, and I am honored to be supported by real patriots who are defending democracy and standing up for truth.”
Sweetser is seeking the Democratic nomination in a field that includes Dakarai Larriett, Lamont Lavender, Mark Wheeler II, and Everett Wess. The primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
The race is expected to draw national attention following U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s decision to run for governor, creating Alabama’s first open U.S. Senate seat in more than two decades. Republicans are widely favored in the general election, but Democratic candidates are positioning themselves to capitalize on voter fatigue, economic concerns, and ongoing questions surrounding institutional trust and democratic norms.
