Alabama Football Legend AJ McCarron Launches 2026 Lieutenant Governor Campaign

Former Alabama Crimson Tide championship quarterback AJ McCarron is running for office. The Mobile native announced his 2026 candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama on Thursday. He will run as a Republican candidate for the state’s second-highest office.

McCarron cited a desire to defend conservative values as his primary motivation. According to a campaign press release, he was inspired by former President Donald Trump to enter the political arena.

AJ McCarron Enters Political Arena Inspired by Trump and Kirk

McCarron’s announcement directly referenced the assassination of Turning Points USA founder Charlie Kirk. He said this event deeply affected him and convinced him to get off the sidelines. The former quarterback emphasized that Alabama’s values are under attack from many directions.

His decision places him alongside other former football figures in Alabama politics. According to WSFA-12, McCarron stated he wants to stand tall for conservative beliefs. He sees the Lieutenant Governor role as a key position to help advance this goal.

McCarron and Tuberville Could Form a Historic Ticket

If successful, McCarron would join another former SEC coach on the Republican ticket. Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville, the former Auburn head coach, announced his own 2026 gubernatorial bid in May. This sets up a potential all-former-football-figure leadership team for the state.

McCarron explicitly endorsed Tuberville’s campaign in his own announcement. He referred to himself as the “quarterback” who would help pass the coach’s conservative agenda. This political newcomer strategy is a central theme of his campaign.

McCarron is a three-time BCS national champion with Alabama. He played nine seasons in the NFL after being a fifth-round draft pick in 2014. He most recently played for the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks before retiring to focus on his podcast and real estate business.

The entry of AJ McCarron into the 2026 Lieutenant Governor race signals a continuing trend of sports figures transitioning to Alabama politics. His name recognition and championship pedigree are expected to make him a formidable candidate in the upcoming Republican primary.

Thought you’d like to know

What prompted AJ McCarron to run for office?

McCarron cited the assassination of Charlie Kirk as a key motivator. He also said former President Donald Trump inspired his run. He wants to defend conservative values in Alabama.

What is AJ McCarron’s political experience?

McCarron has no prior political experience. He is running as a political outsider. His campaign focuses on his background as a championship quarterback and political newcomer.

Who else with a football background is running in Alabama?

Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville is running for governor. Tuberville is currently a U.S. Senator. He and McCarron could run on the same ticket in 2026.

What are AJ McCarron’s career stats at Alabama?

McCarron holds the Alabama all-time record with 9,019 career passing yards. He ranks third in career touchdown passes with 77. He won three national championships with the Crimson Tide.

When is the Alabama 2026 primary election?

The Alabama primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026. This will determine the Republican and Democratic nominees. The general election will follow later that year.