There’s always been a few. Does anyone remember Pat Buchanan? The difference is that it’s FAR more institutionalized among the Democrats. MTG and Thomas Massie have ZERO representation in academia, non-profits and foundations. Their only influence in the media is through leftists in the Hill, the Washington Pose, etc., who use them to “stir the pot” among the Republicans.
Trump is Reagan to Buchanan’s Goldwater.