Kyle Sweetser is running for U.S. Senate, as a Democrat, and is promising change for Alabama

MOBILE, AL - Kyle Sweetser has officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate, challenging the current political landscape in Alabama. The Mobile businessman is running as a Democrat, positioning himself as a candidate who claims to understand the struggles of everyday Americans and is committed to restoring the American Dream.

"America was founded on freedom from oppression," said Sweetser on his website. "But today, too many Americans work 40 hours a week and barely make the rent. They're not free."

Sweetser says that he is a product of the American Dream. His parents married after high school, worked for three dollars an hour, and saved enough to start a family business.

Today, Sweetser says that he and his father are always serving customers. His mother manages the phones, and his wife, Anna, oversees the office.

Sweetser says that he understands the economic anxiety felt by many Americans, as costs rise, wages don't, and big corporations make record profits while scheming to become monopolies.

Sweetser, a former Trump voter turned critic, has emphasized his concerns about economic policies that he believes have negatively impacted Alabama, particularly in industries like auto manufacturing and trade through the Port of Mobile. His campaign centers on addressing economic inequality, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that Alabama families have the opportunities they need to thrive.

In his campaign announcement, Sweetser took aim at incumbent Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), questioning his commitment to Alabama and highlighting the need for leadership that prioritizes the state's residents.

"He is not even from Alabama," said Sweetser of Tuberville. "He is not working for Alabama."

That was before Tuberville switched to the Governor's race. Sweetser now finds himself in a wide-open U.S. Senate race as the incumbent will not be running – for Senate.

Sweetser hopes that his grassroots approach including town hall meetings and direct engagement with voters will foster transparency and trust.

"I am just a regular guy who has lived in Alabama his whole life," Sweetser said. "I want my children and your children to do better that we did."

Sweetser faces a difficult path to the U.S. Senate. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson both declared last week after Tuberville's announcement. Mark Wheeler is also running as a Democrat for U.S. Senate. There are nearly a dozen rumored possible candidates for this open Senate seat.

Alabama has elected a Democrat in a statewide election just once since 2008 – and that was in a special election eight years ago. Convincing Trump voters to abandon the Republican Party to vote for a Democrat for U.S. Senator will be challenging.

(AI contributed to this report.)