Former University of Alabama and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron of Mobile announced on Thursday that he will be a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor in the 2026 election cycle.
In a video released on Thursday, McCarron cited a desire to protect the state’s traditional values and conservative principles among his reasons for running.
“Alabama is my home — it’s made me who I am, and I feel led from above to give back to the state that has given me so much,” McCarron said. “So if you’re ready for a new voice, a fresh perspective, and want Alabama to remain the nation’s conservative and moral leader, just remember one simple phrase — AJ for LG.”
Born and raised in Mobile, McCarron helped lead the University of Alabama to back-to-back national championships in 2012 and 2013 as the starting quarterback under head coach Nick Saban, who instilled in him proven principles of leadership and success.
He continues to hold the team’s career passing yards record and won the 2013 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which recognizes the best NCAA upperclassman quarterback based on field performance, character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, and leadership qualities.
After entering the NFL Draft in 2014, he played a total of nine seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons.
McCarron also started as quarterback for the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks and won the league’s Most Valuable Player Award before retiring from professional football in late 2024.
During the 2016 presidential campaign, McCarron endorsed Donald Trump while taking his Cincinnati Bengals teammates to a rally at U.S. Bank Arena. He credits the 45th and 47th president with inspiring him to run for elected office.
McCarron has also personally led a free summer football camp for Alabama youths for each of the past 10 years. He currently works as a college football analyst and co-owns McCarron Real Estate with his wife, Katherine Webb McCarron, who represented Alabama in the Trump-owned Miss USA pageant in 2012.
The McCarrons reside in Mobile and have three young sons, aged 9, 6 and 4.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
