CAMPAIGN 2026: Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron enters lieutenant governor’s race

FILE – AJ McCarron throws a pass in front of NFL scouts during Pro Day at the University of Alabama on Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
CAMPAIGN 2026: Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron has announced that he’s entering the Republican race for lieutenant governor in next year’s elections.
McCarron, who is from Mobile, made the announcement in a campaign video today. In the video, he said that the recent assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk prompted him to get off of the sideline to fight for Alabama’s conservative and cultural values.
He noted that when he was quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, he endorsed President Donald Trump in the 2016 elections. He said that they both represent outsiders willing to fight.
McCarron said that Montgomery insiders have had their time in state government and it’s time for newcomers to take charge. He said he would work with fellow Republican candidate Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor and also has a football background as a college coach at Auburn and other universities.
McCarron joins a crowded field in the Republican race for lieutenant governor, which includes current Secretary of State Wes Allen, current Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, Patrick Bishop, George Childress, Dean Odle and Nicole Wadsworth. A Democratic candidate has yet to announce.
Alabama’s primaries are May 19, 2026.