Former Tide Quarterback AJ McCarron Running For Alabama Lieutenant Governor

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron announced Thursday that he will run for lieutenant governor of Alabama, entering the 2026 election as a Republican and self-described "political outsider."

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In a campaign video posted on YouTube, McCarron — who led the Crimson Tide to back-to-back national championships under Coach Nick Saban — said his experience as a leader on the football field shaped his desire to serve the state in public office.

"Even as a kid, I loved football because there was something special about joining the fight, taking charge, and motivating others to win,” McCarron said. “When Coach Saban recruited me to play quarterback for the University of Alabama, he taught me the principles of being a leader, and together, we won back-to-back national championships.”

McCarron, 35, played in the NFL for teams including the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons before returning to Alabama with his wife, Katherine Webb-McCarron, and their children. He said he feels called to defend the state’s values and enter politics as a new voice.

"My roots run deep in Alabama, and with my football career behind me, Katherine and I are raising our boys here, instilling in them our deep Christian faith,” McCarron said. “But today, Alabama’s conservative and cultural values are under attack from every direction.”

The Mobile native also referenced the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, saying the incident convinced him to "get off the sidelines and get into the game.”

"The Montgomery insiders and career politicians have had their chance,” he said. “It’s time for political newcomers and outsider candidates like me to lead the battle.”

McCarron also recalled endorsing Donald Trump during his NFL career and said he hopes to help advance gubernatorial candidate Tommy Tuberville’s conservative agenda if elected.

“When Coach Tuberville is governor, I’ll be the quarterback who helps pass his conservative outsider agenda,” he said.

The Alabama lieutenant governor’s race will appear on the 2026 general election ballot on Nov. 3, with party primaries set for June 2, 2026.

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