I remember when I first heard the name Dakaari Larriett brought up. This news did not come at a press conference or in the newspaper's headlines. Rather, it came through a Facebook status from a friend who lives in Montgomery. The status was as follows: "Finally—someone who gets it. Larriett for Alabama."

That caught my eye.

As we enter yet another Senate election cycle, Alabama sees the 2026 Senate race as more than just another political cycle but as a chance to change the course of our state. We've sat and watched for years as candidates pass through, each one promising change but bringing nothing but the same old rhetoric. But with Larriett's bid, something is different. There is a buzz, a clear sense of direction, and even more importantly, a genuine connection to the people he plans to represent.

An Unvarnished Opinion in a Competitive World

The Alabama Senate race of 2026 is gradually getting hot. Politicians are placing their bets, political action committees are solidifying their game plans, and high-profile candidates are gearing up for another political battle. But amidst the din of political sound bites, Larriett's message stands out.

Go to his campaign website dakarailarriett.com and one won't hear the typical political rhetoric or over-rehearsed statements. One will, however, hear a down-to-earth, people-oriented platform that puts Alabama's interests first. His stands on healthcare, economic growth, and education aren't a boilerplate manifesto. They are, rather, the observations of someone who has really known the plight of constituents, knowing what it takes to hold two jobs and still not be able to make ends meet at the end of the month.

And that's why "Larriett for Alabama" is not only a slogan—it's a rallying cry.

From Local Foundations to a National Perspective

I'm a native of Tuscaloosa. My family had a small hardware store off McFarland Boulevard. I've seen firsthand how choices in Washington trickle down and affect ordinary families like ours. That's why I'm so committed to whom we elect to the U.S. Senate. We need someone who will see that problems that affect us here are not insignificant—they're the heartbeat of our state.

Larriett is a Birmingham native who grew up with his single mom working late nights and weekends simply to keep the bills paid. He doesn't merely speak of hard work—he has done it. His history of community organizing and his commitment to bridging rural and urban interests make him well-suited to lead. He is not a career politician, and that is a refreshing change.

Economic Justice Isn't Just a Talking Point

Larriett's appeal for building an inclusive economy resonates. He speaks of revitalizing small communities, strengthening Black businesses, and giving a boost to real farmers, not enriching corporate agribusiness. 

In fact, his efforts to engage with rural communities are among the most sincere that I have seen in many years. He makes time to go to communities in Selma, Demopolis, and Fort Payne not for photo ops, but for community gatherings and honest discussions.

I was able to witness one of his community engagement activities in Huntsville. I watched him field questions ranging from tough to critical—and respond to them with honesty and empathy. He was not there to sell an idealistic dream. Instead, he came to listen carefully, learn, and lead.

People responded positively. Young voter members, seniors, school teachers, and small business owners this segment witnessed an uncommon display of hope shared by all. The conversation went beyond political rhetoric. We were dreaming of a better Alabama.

Healthcare With Heart

Health care access is a chronic problem in Alabama. Rural hospital closures are happening at an alarming rate. Too many people skip routine medical check-ups because insurance is too expensive. In addition, mental health care in the state is deserving of widespread condemnation, indicative of fundamental dysfunction in that system.

Larriett doesn't claim to know everything, but he's willing to fight for what he believes. He believes in expanding Medicaid and making sure no Alabamian goes without the care they deserve. That isn't radical it's humane. And in a state that is struggling at the back of the pack for health outcomes, we need courageous, humane leadership.

Education as an Equalizer

Yet another key plank of the "Larriett for Alabama" platform is education reform. He believes that all children regardless of ZIP code deserve a quality education. That entails supporting teachers, investing in infrastructure, and reforming how we finance our public schools.

A telling aspect is that Larriett seeks to bring back vocational training to a significant degree. He realizes that not all will pursue higher education, and that is perfectly all right. He appreciates the importance of trades, apprenticeships, and other routes that enable young people to thrive without burdening them with money problems.

That practical model of education could redefine opportunity in Alabama.

Authentic Leadership for Real People

Let's be honest: Politics is a spectacle. The candidates arrive in town, kiss babies, smile wide, and then are gone until the next election. But Larriett? He doesn't leave. He works the relationships. He follows up.

As the pandemic was burning out of control, long before he said he was getting in, Larriett mobilized mutual aid efforts across the state. From delivering food to elderly to helping schedule vaccination appointments for the digitally excluded, he showed up where needed. And that, above any debate or fundraising total, says it all.

What's New in 2026

The significance of the 2026 senate race alabama election cannot be overstated. That is because we are at a crossroads.

We can keep playing politics the old way where special interests decide and actual human beings are an afterthought. Or we can join someone who is willing to play by a different set of rules.

"Larriett for Alabama" is not a Senate seat. It's taking back our voice. It's voting for a candidate who sees the whole state, not the numbers in the polls. It's investing in someone who invests in us.

I've endorsed candidates before. Some won, some lost. But I've never been more personally committed to a campaign in my life. Because this time, it's not political. It's personal. It's about home. Conclusionary Thoughts As we approach November 2026, I invite you to take a closer look at this campaign. Go to dakarailarriett.com. Go to a town hall. Volunteer. Tell someone. The Alabama citizens' 2026 Senate race is important and we get to choose between courage and complacency. It's not a time for change. It's time for Larriett for Alabama.