McCarron Drops Lt. Gov. Bid for Football Role
Ex-Alabama QB ends campaign, plans new football job
Former University of Alabama and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron has ended his campaign for Alabama Lieutenant Governor to pursue a new opportunity in football that he says will be announced later this week.
McCarron, a Mobile native and two-time national champion with the Crimson Tide, launched his Republican bid in October 2025, citing inspiration from former President Donald Trump and conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
In a statement announcing the end of his campaign, McCarron said he was ready to bring “a fresh voice and new leadership to the Alabama State House” and noted solid polling and fundraising.
“With a double-digit lead in the polls and solid fundraising commitments lined up, I was eager to bring a fresh voice and new leadership to the Alabama State House, but football is calling my name once again.”
McCarron said his new football position “will require the same 100 % focus, commitment, and attention” he planned to give to the lieutenant governor’s office, forcing him to end the campaign.
“They are building a new Alabama State House because the old one busted at the seams with all of the Montgomery insiders and career politicians packed inside, and while my job offer won’t allow me to run, it is time for political newcomers and conservative outsider candidates like Coach Tuberville to step forward and lead.”
McCarron also said his family remains a top priority.
“I have a deep desire to help create an even better Alabama for Tripp, Cash, and Cruz, our three sons that Katherine and I love so much, so I may return to the political playing field once my career on the football field has truly run its course.”
According to the most recent financial filings available, McCarron lagged behind Wes Allen, Rick Pate and Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth in fundraising in the Republican Lt. Gov. race.
McCarron currently works as a college football analyst and co-owns McCarron Real Estate with his wife, Katherina Webb McCarron.
His withdrawal reshapes the still-crowded Republican contest for Lt. Gov. ahead of the May 2026 primary.
