News Summary
Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron has declared his intention to run for lieutenant governor of Alabama. With a background in college football and a focus on conservative values, McCarron aims to represent the interests of his constituents in an upcoming election. He is poised to face off against several other Republican candidates, highlighting the competitive landscape of Alabama politics. As a newcomer to the political arena, McCarron’s campaign underscores his commitment to family and faith, raising questions about how his athletic career may influence his political journey.
AJ McCarron Steps into Politics as He Candidly Announces Run for Lieutenant Governor
In a surprising yet exciting turn of events, former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron has officially announced his candidacy for Alabama lieutenant governor in the upcoming 2026 election. Early this week, McCarron’s team shared the news through a press release, setting the stage for what is sure to be an intriguing race in the years to come.
Originally hailing from Mobile, Alabama, McCarron is no stranger to the spotlight. The famed college football star led the Alabama Crimson Tide to incredible victories, including back-to-back national championships in 2012 and 2013. With a collegiate career that boasts impressive statistics—completing 66.9% of his passes for a total of 9,019 yards, 77 touchdowns, and only 15 interceptions—it’s no wonder he has a good number of supporters rallying behind him.
Football fans will remember that McCarron was drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, and he continued to play professionally for nearly a decade with several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and Oakland Raiders. His time on the field also earned him accolades such as the Maxwell Award for the outstanding college player during the 2013 season, where he was a runner-up for the highly coveted Heisman Trophy.
Yet, despite a successful football career, McCarron now seems ready to make waves in a new arena—politics. His decision to run comes amid concerns that Alabama’s conservative and cultural values are under attack. Citing the tragic assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk as a pivotal moment in his decision-making process, McCarron emphasizes the importance of standing tall for conservative beliefs. Moreover, he previously endorsed Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election, crediting him for sparking his interest in pursuing a path in public service.
If elected, McCarron plans to work alongside a familiar face in Alabama politics—Senate frontrunner Tommy Tuberville, who is also a former Auburn coach. McCarron’s platform seems rooted in fostering a strong sense of family and faith, as he focuses on raising his three sons in Alabama while instilling fundamental morals and Christian values.
As he prepares to enter the race, he will have to contend with several other Republican candidates, each vying for the party’s nomination. Among these contenders are Rick Pate, the Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Wes Allen, Alabama’s Secretary of State, and others like Dr. Nicole Wadsworth, Dean Odle—an Opelika pastor, and the former Secretary of State, John Merrill, who is contemplating a run. The excitement builds as the primary election is slated for May 19, 2026.
In the meantime, McCarron continues to be involved in the sports world as a college football analyst. Alongside his career in football and his candidacy, he co-owns a real estate business with his wife, Katherine Webb McCarron, who is a former Miss Alabama USA.
As the political landscape heats up, it will be fascinating to watch how McCarron navigates this new and challenging path. With McCarron entering the political arena as a newcomer, it raises the question of whether this strategy could bring fresh perspectives and ideas to leadership roles. As we see more candidates stepping up and making their voices heard, we can’t help but look forward to the lively discussions ahead!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WBRC: AJ McCarron Announces Run for Lieutenant Governor
- CBS Sports: AJ McCarron’s Political Bid
- CBS 42: AJ McCarron Running for Lieutenant Governor
- Wikipedia: A. J. McCarron
- AL.com: McCarron Announces Run for Alabama’s Lieutenant Governor
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
