Former Tide QB AJ McCarron Drops Out Of Alabama Lt. Governor's Race

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron on Wednesday announced that he is ending his campaign for Alabama lieutenant governor just weeks after entering the Republican primary.

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As Patch previously reported, McCarron launched his campaign in October with promises of outsider leadership but said in his latest statement that a new football opportunity will prevent him from giving the race the full commitment it requires.

“With a double-digit lead in the polls and solid fundraising commitments lined up, 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 said. “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.”

According to his latest campaign finance report filing with the Alabama Secretary of State's Office on Dec. 2, McCarron reported an ending balance of $98, 749.40.

No details have been announced about McCarron's new football role.

McCarron, 35, led Crimson Tide to back-to-back national championships and 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.

In his announcement Wednesday, McCarron took aim at what he described as Montgomery’s “insiders and career politicians,” saying Alabama’s new State House that is currently under construction is being built “because the old one busted at the seams” with them.

“While my job offer won’t allow me to run, it is time for political newcomers and conservative outsider candidates like [gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville] to step forward and lead,” McCarron said.

McCarron went on to say his desire to serve the state remains intact and that a return to politics in the future is possible.

“I have a deep desire to help create an even better Alabama for Tripp, Cash, and Cruz, our three sons that Katherine and I love so much,” he said. “So I may return to the political playing field once my career on the football field has truly run its course. In the meantime, I will always be grateful to the countless Alabamians across the state who offered their encouragement, support, and prayers to the AJ for LG campaign,” McCarron 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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