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Why I Don’t Regret Leaving the Democratic Party
The author, Evan Barker, is a former political operative and fundraiser. (Jason Henry for The Free Press)
I grew up a Democrat and worked for its biggest progressive stars. Then I voted for Trump—and watched my community turn on me.
By Evan Barker
11.18.25 — U.S. Politics
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My close friends blame me for everything that Donald Trump does.

One year ago I, a lifelong Democrat, wrote in The Free Press that I had just voted for Trump. I realized that my party had turned its back on working-class families like my own—in favor of identity politics, free trade, and open borders.

Many people warned me about publishing the essay. They told me the reaction would be brutal, and they were right. Strangers on the internet relentlessly harassed me. Death threats flooded my inboxes. People accused me of being a Russian asset.

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Evan Barker
Evan Barker, a writer living in Northern California, is a former Democratic operative. Her debut book, Nothing Left: Confessions of a Democratic Operative is available for preorder. Follow her Substack, listen to The Evan Barker Podcast, and follow her on X @Evanwch or on Instagram @EvanBarkerig.
Tags:
Donald Trump
Progressives
Socialism
Democrats
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