Football Calls A.J. McCarron Away From Political Ambitions
Former Alabama Quarterback A.J. McCarron's stay in the race for the Republican Lt. Gov's nomination next year didn't last long. He has announced his withdrawal saying he has accepted a “new career opportunity in football” instead.
McCarron claims he had a double-digit lead in the polls and substantial fundraising commitments. But many Montgomery political observers believed the political novice faced a tough battle with Tuscaloosa native and Secretary of State Wes Allen.
In announcing his candidacy, the 35-year-old said his campaign had been inspired to run by the work of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. But "The Dynasty" podcaster is instead going back to the gridiron in a capacity to be announced later this week.
"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 noted in his withdrawal comments.
"My football position will require the same 100% focus, commitment, and attention that I was prepared to give to the office of lieutenant governor, so it is time to end my campaign."
McCarron went on to take a shot at the political realities of the State House, "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 (incumbent U.S. Senator) to step forward and lead."
McCarron had high name recognition because of his playing days at Alabama from 2009-13 and being part of three national championship teams, two as starting quarterback. He later played several seasons in the NFL and XFL
With current Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth choosing to return to the private sector, the GOP nomination has drawn interest from Allen, Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, Opelika pastor Dean Odle, and commercial realtor Nicole Wadsworth.
Former Secretary of State and political commentor John Merrill believes McCarron's departure makes Lt. Gov. a two-person race between Allen and Pate but he there is some separation between those two. "It's clear now that Wes Allen is the lead candidate because of the resources he has been able to generate and the endorsements he has been able to receive," Merrill observed in an interview with Tuscaloosa Thread.
The primary is May 19, 2026.
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