Ron Sparks Returns: How Alabama Lost Its Consumer Protections

Ron Sparks, former Alabama Agriculture Commissioner, joins David and Josh to discuss his comeback campaign for the office he once held. Sparks emphasizes that politics has no place at the Department of Agriculture and that his focus has always been protecting Alabama farmers and consumers—regardless of party.

----

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Introduction: "The Future Ag Commissioner"
1:15 - Why Ron Sparks is Running Again
3:30 - The Elimination of Fraud and Gas Inspection Divisions
6:45 - What "Weights and Measures" Really Means
9:00 - The Gas Lab Closure: Fox Guarding the Henhouse
11:30 - Ron's Record: Building Animal Diagnostic Labs
14:00 - From Bottom to Top in 12 Years
16:15 - Running as a Democrat in 2026
18:45 - His 62-of-67 County Victory
21:00 - Party Affiliation vs. Track Record
23:30 - Early Endorsements Before Qualifying Closes
26:00 - Support from Old Coalition Partners
28:15 - "Big Mules in Montgomery"
30:00 - 49 Years of Service
32:30 - His Message to Alabama Voters
34:45 - Outro/Thanks

---

RESOURCES & SOCIALS

Listen to Alabama Politics This Week anywhere you get podcasts.
🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alpoliticsth...
⚫ X/Twitter: / alathisweek
🔵 Facebook: / alathisweek

---

SUPPORT THE SHOW

👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE!
⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
📧 Email questions/voice notes to apwproducer@gmail.com with your name and city/county.

---

ABOUT OUR SPONSOR

Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.