News Summary
Former Alabama and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor of Alabama in the upcoming election. As a Republican, McCarron aims to bring fresh perspectives to the political landscape, emphasizing the importance of conservative values. He cites recent events, including the tragic assassination of a political figure, as motivation for his entry into politics. McCarron expresses a commitment to family values and collaboration with other Republican leaders. He faces a competitive primary in 2026, promising to reshape Alabama’s governance.
Former Alabama QB AJ McCarron Announces Candidacy for Lieutenant Governor in 2026
In a surprising turn of events that has many people talking, former Alabama and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron has thrown his hat into the political ring, announcing his candidacy for lieutenant governor of Alabama in the upcoming 2026 election. McCarron made his announcement on Thursday, proudly stating his intention to run as the Republican candidate.
Originally hailing from Mobile, Alabama, McCarron is not just a familiar face on the football field but now aims to make a mark in the state’s political landscape. His decision to step into the political arena appears to be driven by a sense of urgency regarding the conservation of Alabama’s conservative and cultural values, which he claims are under threat. A particularly dark moment that stirred him into action was the heartbreaking assassination of Charlie Kirk, which he references as a key motivating factor behind his decision to run.
New Blood for Alabama Politics
In his announcement, McCarron expressed a passion for bringing fresh perspectives to the table, urging political newcomers and outsider candidates to take a stand against what he describes as “Montgomery insiders and career politicians.” It is clear he wants to champion a new wave of leadership that resonates with the people of Alabama.
Before venturing into politics, McCarron made a name for himself in sports, leading the University of Alabama Crimson Tide to back-to-back national championships in 2012 and 2013 under the legendary coach Nick Saban. Following his successful college career, McCarron was drafted into the NFL in 2014 and enjoyed a successful professional career spanning nine seasons. He played for several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans, before retiring from professional football in 2024 after a stint with the St. Louis Battlehawks in the United Football League.
Family Values and Business Ventures
Alongside his athletic achievements, McCarron has also ventured into business, co-owning McCarron Real Estate with his wife, Katherine Webb McCarron, who was crowned Miss Alabama USA in 2012. The couple has three sons, and McCarron emphasizes the importance of instilling Christian values and morals in his family.
Interestingly, McCarron’s political aspirations can be traced back to his support for former President Donald Trump, whom he endorsed for president in 2016. McCarron credits Trump with inspiring him to pursue an elected office, showing that his political ideology aligns closely with Republican values.
Facing a Packed Republican Primary
As McCarron gears up for his campaign, he will be joining a crowded field of candidates in the Republican primary, which also includes Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, and Pastor Dean Odle, among others. The Alabama primary election is set to take place on May 19, 2026, with the general election following on November 3, 2026.
In addition to his campaign, McCarron has expressed his intention to collaborate with Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the frontrunner in the governor’s race, which could lead to a strong Republican front in the upcoming elections. His roots in Alabama and experiences both on and off the field seem to be informing his political aspirations with a relatable and dedicated approach.
As AJ McCarron steps away from the football field and into the political arena, many Alabamians will be looking closely to see how his background and values translate into action in the state’s future governance. With his candidacy now officially launched, it’s bound to be an exciting journey ahead!
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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
