Dakarai Larriett is a businessman and Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, positioning himself as an entrepreneur focused on economic opportunity, education, and healthcare. Son of a U.S. Army veteran and a teacher, Larriett was born in Birmingham and attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts before earning a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in business and economics. He earned an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and worked in corporate roles before launching his own pet care business. Larriett's campaign was sparked by a 2024 wrongful arrest incident in Michigan where he claims he was unlawfully detained; he is pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against Michigan State Police. He announced his candidacy on April 7, 2025.
Larriett was born in Alabama and is son of a U.S. Army veteran and public school teacher. His family moved frequently during his father's military service, living in Alabama, Washington, California, Oklahoma, and Germany before returning to Alabama for elementary school. He attended WJ Christian magnet school in Birmingham and Alabama School of Fine Arts. He earned a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in business and economics. He earned an MBA from NYU's Stern School of Business and worked as a Forecasting Manager for L'Oreal managing consumer products before starting his pet care business in 2012. He served on boards including Bronx Community Pride Center and volunteers with United Way, Meals on Wheels, and the Humane Society.