Dakarai Larriett's U.S. Senate bid: an analysis of its current progress
Dakarai Larriett, a former executive, entrepreneur, and criminal justice reform advocate, has officially entered the race for Tommy Tuberville's U.S. Senate seat in Alabama. Launching his campaign in May 2025, Larriett has been steadily building momentum with a focus on grassroots organising and personalised engagement with voters.
Larriett's early fundraising efforts began modestly, with $25,000 raised from friends and family. However, he has since assembled a formidable campaign team, largely composed of members from former Senator Doug Jones's team, providing crucial experience and connections.
With a self-employed pet care business offering him flexibility, Larriett has been able to commit fully to his campaign. He has been working through a list of approximately 6,000 potential supporters, reaching out to each one via phone calls to build a strong foundation.
Larriett's policy platform emphasises economic opportunity, education, and healthcare, aiming to resonate beyond party affiliation. He has been able to engage the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in his campaign, despite acknowledging policy differences. The Mobile Bay chapter of the DSA has even recommended Larriett's campaign for a national endorsement from the organisation.
In the coming months, Larriett plans to continue his grassroots organising and direct voter contact as a central strategy. He sees the persistent, personalised engagement with voters and scaling his outreach through his experienced team as key to maintaining campaign momentum.
The Alabama Senate race has become competitive due to Tuberville's decision not to seek re-election to the Senate but to run for governor instead. Several Republican candidates are vying for the seat, while Larriett is among a few Democrats entering the race for this open seat.
Larriett is determined to win the May 2026 Democratic primary, as the winner with a plurality will have a good runway to the general election. He sees positive signs for his campaign, with growing name recognition and internal polls showing him as the clear front-runner in the primary by double digits.
Larriett admires Zohran Mamdani's successful Democratic Socialist campaign in the New York City mayoral race and sees it as a roadmap for winning as an underdog candidate. Despite facing challenges as a newcomer, Larriett remains undeterred, employing creativity and tenacity to gain campaign momentum.
Notably, Larriett was unlawfully arrested by Michigan State Police following a traffic stop in 2024. However, he participated in a brake light clinic hosted by state Rep. Barbara Drummond and the Democratic Socialists of America, demonstrating his commitment to criminal justice reform.
Joining Larriett in the race are Kyle Sweetser, a business owner who spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention as a "Republican against Trump," and Mark Wheeler, a chemist from Anniston. The 2026 Alabama Senate race promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle.
- As a criminal justice reform advocate, Dakarai Larriett aims to implement changes in the justice system.
- Larriett's campaign focuses on addressing issues related to migration, seeking fair and just policies.
- In addition to criminal justice, Larriett is passionate about education and self-development, advocating for lifelong learning and skills training.
- Personal growth and mindfulness are essential aspects of Larriett's philosophy, promoting an overall improvement in health and well-being.
- Larriett recognizes the impact of war and conflicts on communities, and supports policies that promote peace and stability.
- As a proponent of productivity and career development, Larriett encourages individuals to set goals and strive for continuous improvement.
- Understanding the importance of policy and legislation, Larriett advocates for policies that ensure safety, such as improving regulations for car accidents.
- Larriett is active in politics, aiming to create a more equitable society where everyone has equal opportunities.
- Online education plays a significant role in Larriett's vision, making quality education accessible to everyone, anywhere.
- Job search and employment are crucial, and Larriett supports measures that help individuals find meaningful work and advance in their careers.
- General news plays a vital role in Larriett's understanding of the world, keeping him informed about current events and criminal justice issues.
- Sports, particularly American football, have inspired Larriett, drawing parallels between teamwork on the field and politics off the field.
- Beyond football, Larriett is engaging with diverse communities, including the NFL and NCAA, advocating for social justice and addressing issues such as crime and justice, accidents, fires, learning, and goal-setting.
