AJ McCarron Enters Race for Alabama Lieutenant Governor
“When Coach Tuberville is governor, I’ll be the quarterback who helps pass his conservative outsider agenda”—AJ McCarron
Former University of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron officially announced Thursday he is launching a campaign to become Alabama’s Lieutenant Governor in 2026.
McCarron, a Mobile native, framed his bid as a response to what he described as mounting pressure on conservative and cultural values. “Alabama’s conservative and cultural values are under attack from every direction,” he said in his announcement. “That’s why Charlie Kirk’s assassination affected so many of us so deeply. His example convinced me to get off of the sidelines, get into the game, and stand tall for our conservative beliefs, so today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama.”
During his college years, McCarron helped lead the Crimson Tide to national titles in 2012 and 2013. After finishing his collegiate career, he entered the 2014 NFL Draft and went on to play in the league for nine seasons.
According to his campaign, McCarron first endorsed Donald Trump in 2016 and has said that both the 45th and 47th presidents inspired him to enter politics. Outside football, he works as a college football analyst and is co-owner of McCarron Real Estate with his wife, Katherine Webb McCarron. The couple, who live in Mobile, have three sons.
McCarron positioned himself as an outsider to “Montgomery insiders and career politicians.” He stated, “When Coach Tuberville is governor, I’ll be the quarterback who helps pass his conservative outsider agenda.”
He now joins a field that includes Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, Secretary of State Wes Allen, Pastor Dean Odle and Dr. Nicole Wadsworth. The Republican primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
At press time, no campaign website nor campaign Facebook page were active.
McCarron’s launch video may be seen on YouTube or below:
