Brief #1 | 2026 Democratic Primary Preview Series | Alabama | Morgan Davidson | 11/28/2025
- Announced Alabama Dem. Senate Candidates: Dakarai Larriett, Lamont Lavender, Kyle Sweetser
- Announced Dem. House Candidates: Clyde Jone, Shomari Figures, Lee McInnis. Amanda Pusczek, Shane Weaver, Jeremy Devito, Candice Devieilh, Greg Howard, Andrew Sneed, Keith Pilkington, Terri Sewell
The Yellowhammer State will have all seven of its U.S. House seats on the ballot in 2026, along with one of its U.S. Senate seats. Alabama’s current House delegation includes: District 1: Barry Moore (R); District 2: Shomari Figures (D); District 3: Mike Rogers (R); District 4: Tyler Aderholt (R); District 5: Dale Strong (R); District 6: Gary Palmer (R); and District 7: Terri Sewell (D).
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R) would normally be up for re-election, but he’s forgoing a second Senate term to run for governor. His decision leaves one of Alabama’s Senate seats open for the first time in years, setting up what could become one of the state’s most consequential races of the cycle.
Alabama’s seven House districts reveal a stark divide between the state’s fast-growing urban centers and its aging rural regions, shaping very different political realities heading into 2026. The Black Belt anchored Districts 2 and 7 remain the most demographically diverse, with younger urban populations surrounded by older rural communities, creating the only reliably Democratic footholds in the state. In contrast, deeply rural districts like the 3rd and 4th continue to trend older and overwhelmingly conservative, while the Huntsville-centered 5th stands out as a rare pocket of youth, education, and rapid population growth driven by the defense and tech sectors. Suburban strongholds around Birmingham and Mobile add yet another layer, blending upper-income commuters with exurban sprawl. Together, these demographic contrasts set the stage for how competitive each district may be in 2026, defining where either party can realistically expand its influence. The primaries will take place on May 19th of 2026 followed by the General election on November 3rd.
Senate Candidates
Dakarai Larriett, 43, is a gay Black businessman and first-time candidate whose run for the U.S. Senate began after what he describes as a wrongful arrest that pushed him toward public service. A former Whirlpool employee who later launched his own pet-care company, Larriett frames his campaign around the everyday struggles he has seen in Alabama’s working communities. He emphasizes criminal-justice reform, better access to healthcare, stronger public education, and a jobs agenda centered on small business and economic mobility. His profile is likely to resonate with younger voters, LGBTQ+ Alabamians, and Black communities who respond to the lived experience he brings to the race. But with no prior political experience, minimal name recognition, and an uncertain donor base, Larriett starts as an underdog. His success will depend on whether his justice-reform message breaks through and whether he can build a statewide operation quickly. His chances of winning the primary remain low to moderate, and he has not yet given any major interviews.
Military veteran and community advocate Lamont Lavender entered the Democratic primary with a message focused on service, security, and economic fairness. While his age and full biography aren’t yet publicly documented, Lavender describes himself as a proud U.S. veteran and a champion for the “everyday Alabamian.” His stated priorities include lowering crime rates, securing livable wages, expanding veterans’ support systems, and pushing for affordable housing and healthcare. He also stresses transparency and government accountability as core values. Lavender’s background gives him natural appeal among veterans and working-class Democrats, especially in rural counties. However, his campaign infrastructure remains almost nonexistent: he has no public website, limited digital footprint, and no visible fundraising network. Without rapid organization and visibility, he risks being overshadowed by candidates with clearer profiles. His chances of winning the primary are currently low, and he has no publicly available interviews to date.
Kyle Sweetser, a 36-year-old construction business owner, enters the race with perhaps the most politically compelling story among the Democratic contenders. A former Republican who once spoke at the Democratic National Convention to denounce Donald Trump, Sweetser says the modern GOP “cares more about culture wars than people.” His political shift forms the backbone of his campaign- a pitch to Alabamians who feel politically homeless in a polarized climate. Sweetser emphasizes infrastructure as his core issue, arguing that roads, broadband, water systems, and rural connectivity are essential to lifting Alabama’s economy. He highlights his work-site experience and frequent conversations with working-class residents as proof that he understands the state’s day-to-day challenges. His crossover appeal could attract moderate Democrats, independents, and even disaffected Republicans, giving him a broader coalition than his rivals. The challenge is whether he can fundraise and organize quickly enough to convert that appeal into votes, but at this early stage, Sweetser stands out as the most viable Democrat in the field. His chances of winning the primary are moderate to high. No recent interviews are publicly available, though his past DNC remarks are archived.
Thirty-two-year-old chemist and emergency-response specialist Mark Wheeler presents himself as an “everyday family guy” bringing practical, science-based leadership to politics. With no prior elected experience, Wheeler leans heavily on his professional background, emphasizing environmental responsibility, clean water access, disaster preparedness, and healthcare affordability. His message focuses on pragmatic governance rather than ideological fights, positioning him as a calm, solutions-oriented alternative to political gridlock. Younger voters, STEM professionals, and environmentally focused Democrats may find his profile appealing, though Wheeler currently lacks the name recognition and organizational strength needed for a statewide campaign. His biggest hurdle is differentiating himself in a field already defined by stronger narratives; Larriett’s justice story and Sweetser’s party-switching momentum. Despite that, Wheeler could gain ground with a disciplined message and active outreach. His chances of winning the primary are low to moderate, and no recent interviews are available.
There is no polling yet on the Democratic side of this primary, but my pick is Sweetsner. His background is more appealing to key voters needed to win a deep red state like Alabama; & the disaffected Trump voter will likely resonate with voters in a midterm election where the President has historically low polling numbers. Sweetsner’s appearance at the DNC will also help him with donations & name recognition. Dakari Larriett also has a strong personal story that went viral which makes him a viable 2nd choice in the primary but either candidate will have an uphill battle against whichever Republican emerges in the wake of Tubberville running for governor. A note of interest here is Paul Finebaum. Finebaum has floated the idea of running as a Republican in this race but the current ESPN/SEC host may gather a unique coalition & govern differently than other Republicans in the race.
House Candidates
District 1 – Clyde Jones
Rev. Clyde W. Jones Jr. is a retired U.S. Army First Sergeant with 21 years of service as a Signal Communications soldier, including deployments in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom II, where he earned a Bronze Star. After relocating to South Alabama for work in 2013, he spent more than a decade in industrial safety roles before retiring from FMC Agriculture Solutions in 2024. Jones holds a B.S. in Liberal Arts with a focus on Administration and Management from Excelsior University. He currently serves as an Associate Minister in Daphne and holds leadership roles in Alabama Arise, the Baldwin County NAACP, SEEDS (a local education foundation), and the Episcopal Diocese’s racial-justice commission. He positions himself as a veteran-driven, community-grounded public servant.
Platform Priorities
- Veterans’ support: Expand access to VA care, mental-health services, and transition programs.
- Education investment: Strengthen public schools, support local foundations, improve funding for rural and suburban districts.
- Worker safety & economic mobility: Draws on his industry background to push for safe workplaces, fair wages, and job opportunities in coastal Alabama.
- Racial justice & equity: Advocates for equal access to opportunity, fair policing, and community-based justice initiatives.
- Healthcare access: Supports lowering costs and expanding rural and suburban provider access.
Voter & Donor Support
Jones’s natural base includes veterans, Black voters, faith-based communities, and civic-engagement organizations connected to Alabama Arise and the NAACP. His network in Baldwin County’s nonprofit and church communities gives him early grassroots potential, but major-dollar donor support remains unclear.
Why He Might Win
- Strong leadership credentials from military and community service.
- Deep involvement in local civic and racial-justice organizations.
- Could consolidate Democratic voters in Mobile and Baldwin County who want a community advocate rather than a traditional politician.
Why He Might Lose
- AL-01 is a heavily Republican and structurally difficult district for Democrats.
- Low name recognition outside political and advocacy circles.
- Fundraising capacity and campaign infrastructure are still unknown.
Key Election Variables
- Whether Democratic turnout in Mobile County improves.
- Ability to attract moderate or independent voters in Baldwin County.
- National environment and how energized Democratic voters are in a red-state cycle.
- Strength of the Republican nominee (likely strong).
General: Low due to district partisanship, not candidate quality.
Primary: Uncontested
District 2 – Shomari Figures
Shomari Figures, 40, is the incumbent representative for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District and one of the most prominent rising Democrats in the state. He comes from a well-known civil-rights and political family: his father filed the landmark lawsuit that bankrupted the Ku Klux Klan, and later served in the Alabama Senate until his passing. His mother succeeded him and continues to hold the seat today, giving Figures deep roots in both legal advocacy and state-level policymaking. First elected under the new court-ordered map that reshaped AL-02 into a majority-Black district, Figures now represents a constituency that aligns strongly with Democratic priorities and demographics.
Platform Priorities
- Civil rights & justice reform: Continues his family’s legacy advocating for equal protection, voting rights, and community safety.
- Economic development: Focus on job creation, small-business support, and federal investment in Montgomery and the Black Belt.
- Healthcare access: Supports lowering costs and protecting coverage, especially in rural counties where hospital closures hit hardest.
- Education: Pushes for stronger public-school investment and college/job-training opportunities.
- Good governance & public integrity: Emphasizes transparency and ethical leadership.
Voter & Donor Support
- Figures benefits from a built-in majority-Democratic district, strong support among Black voters, Montgomery urban voters, and younger progressives. His family’s name carries influence in civil-rights, church, community activism, and legal circles. Donor support is expected to remain steady, with national Democratic groups likely to protect the seat.
Why He Might Win
- Incumbency advantage and strong district alignment.
- Deep family legacy in justice advocacy and Democratic politics.
- Represents a newly drawn district designed to empower minority voters.
- National midterm trends in 2026 could disadvantage Republicans down-ballot.
Why He Might Lose
- Realistically, he’s unlikely to face a serious threat.
- Only vulnerabilities would come from intra-party disputes, low-turnout anomalies, or unexpected scandals; none currently present.
Key Election Variables
- Turnout in Montgomery and the Black Belt.
- Whether Republicans invest resources despite long odds.
- Strength of Figures’s community presence and constituent services (currently strong).
Chances of Winning the General Election
Very High: one of the safest Democratic seats in Alabama.
District 3 – Lee McInnis
Lee McInnis, an older Alabama native and Auburn University graduate, is a U.S. Army veteran with an extensive background in defense intelligence. After completing a master’s degree in Communications and International Relations at Auburn, he worked in Washington in military intelligence and later deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a civilian analyst. His service earned him multiple honors, including two NATO medals, the Joint Staff Civil Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Civilian Service Medal, and the Defense Intelligence Agency Director’s Intelligence Award. McInnis has no prior political experience but has taught government at a local college.
Platform Priorities
- Healthcare: Repeal sections of the Trump-era budget he argues cut $1 trillion from federal health-care support.
- Education: Expand access and funding for public schools and higher education.
- Middle-class stability: Advocates for policies that strengthen wages, affordability, and economic opportunity.
Voter & Donor Support
Likely to draw interest from veterans, Auburn-area moderates, and Democratic voters seeking a national-security–experienced candidate. Donor support is expected to be modest given the district’s strong Republican tilt.
Why He Might Win
- Uncontested Democratic primary.
- Strong national-security credentials and academic background.
- Appeals to voters who value military and intelligence experience.
Why He Might Lose
- AL-03 is a solid Republican district.
- Limited name recognition and no prior elected service.
- Fundraising obstacles typical for Democrats in deep-red regions.
Key Election Variables
- Turnout in Auburn and surrounding counties.
- Ability to raise funds and connect with younger voters.
- Strength of incumbent Mike Rogers- currently strong last ran unopposed & 10+ years in Congress
Chances of Winning the General Election: Low- district is safely Republican despite a credible résumé.
District 4 – Amanda Pusczek & Shane Weaver
Amanda Pusczek, 35, is a nurse and progressive Democrat focused on strengthening public institutions and expanding opportunities for working families. A political newcomer, she centers her campaign on improving conditions for federal workers, supporting small businesses, and building a fair and humane immigration system. She also emphasizes the need for fully funded public schools and modernized learning environments.
Platform Priorities
Federal workers & small businesses: Policies that improve workplace protections and encourage small-business growth.
Immigration: A fair, humane, opportunity-focused system reflecting America’s immigrant heritage.
Education: Fully funded public schools and support for innovative, equitable education models.
Voter & Donor Support
Appeal strongest among progressive Democrats, younger voters, and healthcare workers. Donor support is expected to be limited in this heavily Republican district.
Why She Might Win
- Clear, values-driven progressive agenda.
- Authentic working-class background as a nurse.
Why She Might Lose
AL-04 is one of the most Republican districts in the state.
Very limited name recognition and fundraising power.
Progressive platform may struggle with conservative rural voters.
Key Election Variables
Turnout among progressive and younger Democrats.
Ability to run a shoestring grassroots campaign.
Strength of the Republican incumbent — 28 years in office, deeply entrenched.
District 4 – Shane Weaver
Shane Weaver, 52, is a lifelong Alabamian from a family of coal miners and farmers, bringing a deeply working-class perspective to the race. Raised in Nauvoo and a graduate of Carbon Hill High School, Weaver experienced firsthand the challenges of low-wage jobs before putting himself through the University of Alabama, where he earned a degree in Management Information Systems. He has since worked as a project manager across multiple industries. Weaver frames his life experience with poverty, long hours, and job insecurity as the foundation of his political philosophy: government should serve working people, not corporations and the wealthy.
Platform Priorities
- Worker rights: Fair wages, stronger unions, and shifting economic power away from corporations.
- Child safety: Safer schools, better protections, and ensuring children have consistent access to food and support.
- Financial security: Policies to address rising prices, housing costs, and basic economic instability for working families.
Voter & Donor Support
- Likely to appeal to working-class Democrats, union households, and voters drawn to economic-populist messaging. Donor support expected to be modest due to district partisanship.
Why He Might Win
- Authentic working-class story with lived experience.
- Populist workers-first platform could resonate with some Democratic voters.
Why He Might Lose
- District is overwhelmingly Republican and historically noncompetitive.
- Low name recognition and limited financial resources.
- Economic-populist message faces an uphill climb against entrenched conservative voting patterns.
Key Election Variables
- Ability to mobilize economically stressed voters.
- Grassroots enthusiasm vs. limited funding.
- Republican incumbent’s dominance — 28 years in office, deeply secure.
District 5 – Jeremy Devito, Candice Devieilh, Greg Howard, Andrew Sneed
Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, centered on the rapidly growing city of Huntsville, has attracted an unusually crowded Democratic primary field for 2026, with four declared candidates: Jeremy Devito, Candice Duvieilh, Greg Howard Jr., and Andrew Sneed. While the district remains a Republican stronghold, demographic shifts and first-term GOP incumbent Dale Strong’s relatively low profile have prompted Democrats to test the waters, hoping that national midterm trends and Huntsville’s urban growth might create a narrow opening.
- Jeremy Devito, a mid-30s Army veteran and local activist, is running as an unapologetic progressive. He emphasizes democracy protection, civil rights, and climate action, and has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump-aligned politics. His platform energizes left-wing voters but his aggressive rhetoric, including a viral anti-ICE rant, may alienate moderates in a conservative-leaning district.
- Candice Duvieilh, a public policy expert and former educator, brings a technocratic, issue-focused approach. With degrees in education and nonprofit management, she emphasizes school funding, healthcare access, and federal accountability. Duvieilh has earned praise for her credibility and professionalism, but her campaign remains low-profile and underfunded, limiting reach beyond policy circles.
- Greg Howard Jr., a Huntsville-based author and LGBTQ media entrepreneur, brings a bold, progressive vision. A former drag performer and podcast host, Howard’s platform includes LGBTQ rights, marijuana legalization, police reform, and abolishing ICE. He is a strong communicator with appeal to younger and activist voters, but lacks political experience or major fundraising capacity.
- Andrew Sneed, a 45-year-old small business owner and master plumber, is the early frontrunner. A Huntsville native who built his company from scratch, Sneed presents as a center-left, electable alternative. His messaging centers on protecting Social Security, government reform, and job security in the face of automation. With over $230K raised, far more than his rivals, and a focus on pragmatic solutions, Sneed is seen as the Democrat best positioned to compete in a general election.
Primary Outlook:
Sneed leads in fundraising and viability, but Devito and Howard may split progressive votes, while Duvieilh appeals to moderates seeking experience. The field reflects a growing ambition among Democrats to field credible candidates even in red districts, and to build name recognition for the long haul.
Flip Potential:
Realistically, AL-05 remains a steep climb. The GOP has held the seat for decades, and Dale Strong won with over 65% in 2022. However, Huntsville’s rapid growth, a shifting workforce, and potential Republican midterm fatigue may allow Democrats to tighten the margin. If any seat outside AL-02 is flippable, this is it, but it would take near-perfect conditions and a strong nominee to pull it off.
District 6 – Keith Pilkington
Pilkington, a middle-aged Army veteran and registered nurse, is the only declared Democratic candidate in Alabama’s 6th Congressional District for 2026. He has framed his campaign around economic fairness, declaring “war on high costs”and calling for a future “we all can afford.” Beyond that messaging, however, little public information exists. There is no official campaign website, public policy platform, or visible organizing presence.
Platform Priorities
- Cost of living: Reduce financial strain on working families and improve economic access.
- Veterans & healthcare: Background suggests likely concern for veterans’ issues and medical care, though specifics are unknown.
- General economic reform: Broad messaging about affordability and economic fairness.
Voter & Donor Support
Minimal public footprint; no evidence of donor network, endorsements, or active grassroots support. Unclear whether the campaign is ongoing or dormant.
Why He Might Win
- Military and healthcare background could appeal to select voters if effectively communicated.
- Uncontested in the Democratic primary as of now.
Why He Will Likely Lose
- No online presence, press coverage, or concrete campaign activity.
- Lacks clear messaging, infrastructure, or visibility.
- District 6 is a deep Republican stronghold.
District 7- Terri Sewell
Terri Sewell, 60, is a multi-term Democratic incumbent and the clear favorite to retain her seat in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. A Selma native and proud African American leader, Sewell has long represented the state’s only majority-Black district. She boasts deep personal and historical ties to the area: her mother was a librarian, her father a beloved local coach, and she was the first Black valedictorian of Selma High School. Sewell later graduated with honors from Princeton, earned a master’s at Oxford, and completed her law degree at Harvard. She began her legal career in New York before returning to Alabama, becoming the first Black woman partner at a Birmingham law firm.
Platform Priorities
- Job creation & economic development: Focused on workforce expansion and support for small businesses.
- Healthcare: Supports expanding access and affordability, particularly in underserved areas.
- Veterans: Advocates for stronger VA support and transitional services.
- Education: Invests in public school funding and college access.
- Infrastructure & preservation: Prioritizes rebuilding roads and broadband while defending civil rights landmarks and history in the district.
Voter & Donor Support
Sewell has longstanding, deep support from Black voters, community leaders, and national Democratic donors. She is consistently one of Alabama’s strongest fundraisers and has national visibility through her work on voting rights and historic preservation.
Why She Might Win
- Highly popular and well-established.
- Represents a safe Democratic stronghold.
- Deep roots and unmatched resume in the district.
Why She Might Lose
- No realistic path to defeat based on current electoral dynamics.
Key Election Variables
- Turnout in the Black Belt and urban centers like Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
- No serious Democratic primary challengers or Republican threats expected.
Overall, Alabama is poised for significant turnover in its congressional delegation, though none of the seats are currently expected to flip from red to blue. Still, if Trump’s unpopularity drags on down-ballot Republicans, there’s a narrow path forward for a few of the more credible Democratic challengers, especially in rapidly shifting districts like AL-05.
Engagement Resources:
- Ballotpedia- serves as an initial go to for candidates & races at all level: https://ballotpedia.org/Alabama_elections,_2026
- Dakarai Larriett Arrest Footage- https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/2024/10/30/bodycam-video-sober-man-gets-arrested-for-alleged-drunken-driving/75946312007/
- Kyle Sweetsner- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3QVmx5vdbM
- Andrew Sneed Interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNRmBtT5LZw
- Terri Sewell Interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XyvK7yXlds
- Lee McInnis TownHall- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOZlOyXKfuo