Former University of Alabama football quarterback and Mobile native AJ McCarron came out in support of former Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl ahead of his Republican primary runoff for lieutenant governor against Secretary of State Wes Allen.
Allen and Wahl are slated to face one another in a runoff election on June 16, after neither candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the May 19 primary. Wahl led in the race, earning 40.6% of the vote (192,432), a slight margin over Allen's 38% (180,292). The winner of the runoff will be the party's nominee for the November general election.
On Thursday, Wahl announced he was adding McCarron, who dropped out of consideration for the office late last year, to his growing list of public figures endorsing his bid.
"I got into the Lieutenant Governor's race because I care deeply about Alabama, our families, and the future we are leaving for our children," McCarron said. "I learned quickly that politics can be a dirty game, especially when you are an outsider who cannot be controlled by Montgomery special interests. That is one of the reasons I respect John Wahl. He is not part of the political swamp, and he has proven he is willing to stand strong, take the hits, and keep driving the ball down the field for the people of Alabama."
"With me out of the race, I want to pass the ball to the man I know can bring it home for Alabama. I am proud to give John Wahl my complete and total endorsement. As a father of young children, I want leaders who will protect our kids, stand up for families, and fight for the values that make Alabama special. We need a conservative fighter, not another career politician. That's why this is an easy choice," he added.
McCarron dropped out of the race in December, 2025, just before announcing his appointment as head football coach of the Birmingham Stallions.
Wahl stated his gratitude for McCarron's endorsement, saying it was "especially meaningful because of AJ's own commitment to Alabama families."
"AJ McCarron knows what leadership looks like when the pressure is on," Wahl said. "He has led on the football field, he has represented Alabama with class, and most importantly, he is a man who loves his family and cares deeply about the children of this state. The fact that AJ considered this race himself makes his endorsement even more meaningful. I am honored to have his support as we continue fighting for Alabama families, protecting our children, and defending the conservative values that make our state strong."
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