Former Alabama Star A.J. McCarron Runs For Lt. Governor
Name identity is everything in politics and A.J. McCarron has it. Calling signals for back-to-back Alabama Football national championships in 2012 and 2013, nine years in the NFL, and also time in the XFL, as wells as talking sports on ESPN has made A.J. McCarron a well-known name in this state. Well known enough that the Mobile native has thrown his hat into the political ring for a run at Alabama Lt. Governor. He made the announcement today that he’s running to be the Republican nominee on You Tube.
“Alabama’s conservative and cultural values are under attack from every direction,” the first-time political candidate said in his online announcement. “That’s why Charlie Kirk’s assassination affected so many of us so deeply. His example convinced me to get off of the sidelines, get into the game, and stand tall for our conservative beliefs, so today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama.”
The 35-year-old McCarron has his work cut out for him in a crowded field that includes Tuscaloosa native and Secretary of State Wes Allen, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate, Cullman County Deputy Sheriff Patrick Bishop, businesswoman Nicole Wadsworth and Pentecostal/Charismatic minister Dean Odle. Rumors have also included former Secretary of State John Merrill, but he has made no announcement.
A Quantus Insights survey revealed earlier this week that McCarron is a distant second in polling without having done anything more than tease his candidacy. The current figures show Wes Allen is leading at 26%, followed by A.J. McCarron at 14%, John Merrill at 10% with the other candidates receiving smaller percentages. The good news for McCarron is 36-percent of responding voters are undecided.
The Lt. Governor's seat is open because current Lt. Governor, Will Ainsworth, is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.
The Alabama Republican Party primary election will be held on May 19, 2026.
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