High turnout could make Alabama purple

Alabama U.S. Senate candidate Dakarai Larriett appears on Mansa Musa’s Rattling the Bars to discuss concerns about voter suppression, redistricting, and the upcoming Democratic primary. Ahead of the May 19, 2026 primary, Larriett criticizes his opponent, Kyle Sweetser-who has a record of voting for Donald Trump-and says he will oppose what he describes as racist redistricting efforts across the South.

Credits:

Producer / Videographer / Editor: Cameron Granadino

Editor’s Note: This interview was recorded on May 11, 2026. After the recording, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for Alabama to implement a new congressional map that effectively eliminates one of the state’s two majority-Black districts.

Transcript

The following is a rushed transcript and may contain errors. A proofread version will be made available as soon as possible.

Mansa Musa:

Welcome to Rattling the Bars. I’m your host, Mansa Musa. Recent Supreme Court decisions and state-level redistricting have raised concerns about the protection of voting rights and the dilution of Black political representation. Today we are speaking with Dakarai Larriett, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Alabama, about these developments and their potential impact on the midterms and congressional balance. Dakarai, thank you for joining us.

Dakarai Larriett:

Good to be back. Thank you for having me.

Mansa Musa:

How do you view the recent Supreme Court decisions and the broader trend they reflect?

Dakarai Larriett:

The effects will vary by state. Here in Alabama, our voting-rights history stretches back decades. Because of Shelby v. Holder, we’ve been operating under constraints that limited map changes until 2030, and we expected some protections to remain in place. Still, the governor called a special legislative session this week and legislators proposed reinstating older maps, which we see as an attempt to preemptively roll back protections. We have to keep resisting both politically and legally.

Mansa Musa:

How is this legal climate affecting Alabama’s ability to maintain two Black opportunity districts, and what is your strategy to respond?

Dakarai Larriett:

We’re pursuing two paths: sustained public protest and litigation. The Milligan decision recognized the Second Congressional District as a minority opportunity district, and Representative Shamarri Figures currently represents that district. Alabama’s Black population-roughly in the mid-20s percent range of the state’s population-supports the conclusion that the state should have at least two Black opportunity districts. We will challenge any attempt to redraw maps before the census and continue organizing in the streets and in the courts.

Mansa Musa:

Shifting to your campaign: the Democratic primary is May 19. How is your campaign’s ground game performing, and what policies are you emphasizing to build a broad coalition?

Dakarai Larriett:

Winning statewide requires building a broad coalition beyond any single identity. Our endorsements include doctors, lawyers, educators, fraternity and sorority organizations, and faith leaders. I’ve campaigned across the state for a year, engaging urban and rural voters and using both digital tools and in-person outreach-texting, social media, door-to-door, and community events. Our message focuses on practical “kitchen table” issues: education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

Mansa Musa:

One of your opponents, Kyle Sweetser, has said he will run as a Democrat while previously voting for Trump. How are you approaching that in the primary?

Dakarai Larriett:

Our primary objective is to win the Democratic primary. We expect some voters who previously supported Republicans to cross over, but our priority is to present a clear choice to Democratic voters. Kyle’s voting history shows support for Trump, and while he has tried to present himself differently recently, we don’t believe he represents Democratic values. His claim that he can flip large numbers of Republican voters in Alabama lacks evidence.

Mansa Musa:

An Alabama political reporter suggested it’s unlikely a Republican would choose the harder path of running as a Democrat. How do you respond?

Dakarai Larriett:

I can’t speak to his motives, but we’ve heard that he sought to run as a Republican earlier this cycle and faced resistance within that party. I’m running as a lifelong Democrat; this is my party, not a backup. Alabama Democrats should choose a candidate who reflects their values and will work for the people who sent them to Washington.

Mansa Musa:

What issues are you currently working on and why should voters choose you for U.S. Senate?

Dakarai Larriett:

My campaign centers on listening to Alabamians and addressing everyday concerns. Our priorities are fair pay and support for educators, a professional and responsive Department of Education, protecting and expanding access to healthcare, and promoting economic opportunity through higher wages, job training, and workforce development programs. These are the issues voters told us matter most, and they guide my agenda.

Mansa Musa:

What do you see as Alabama’s future if your campaign succeeds?

Dakarai Larriett:

Before we can invest in people, we must have elected officials who show up and vote. Protests and activism are vital, but we also need turnout in elections. Alabama can be competitive-Doug Jones won a Senate seat in 2017-so higher turnout can change outcomes. We need voters to show up on May 19, take control of government, and then pursue policies that help families across the state.

Mansa Musa:

To our audience: we present this interview to explore issues affecting voters and to examine the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on voting rights. We are not endorsing a candidate. The sacrifice of those who fought for the Voting Rights Act led to political gains in representation; as those protections are weakened, it is important for citizens to understand the consequences and to engage in the electoral process.

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