Former University of Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron has declared his candidacy for lieutenant governor of Alabama as a Republican, citing a commitment to defending conservative values in the state.
McCarron, a native of Mobile, stated that Alabama’s cultural and political landscape faces unprecedented challenges, prompting him to leave his career in sports and enter public service. “Alabama’s conservative and cultural values are under attack from every direction,” he said in a statement. “Charlie Kirk’s assassination affected so many of us deeply. His example convinced me to get off the sidelines, get into the game, and stand tall for our conservative beliefs.”
The former NFL quarterback emphasized his lifelong ties to Alabama, noting that he raised his children in the state while instilling “deep Christian faith” and traditional morals. He also highlighted his endorsement of former President Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign, calling the leader an “outsider candidate” who inspired his political ambitions.
McCarron pledged to support Senator Tommy Tuberville, a former Auburn coach and current gubernatorial contender, describing himself as a “quarterback” tasked with advancing a conservative agenda. “When Coach Saban recruited me to play quarterback for Alabama, he taught me the principles of leadership,” McCarron said. “Playing in the NFL reinforced the importance of achieving goals bigger than ourselves.”
A three-time BCS national championship winner with Alabama, McCarron also served as the team’s starting quarterback during its 2011 and 2012 title runs. He received the Maxwell Award for college player of the year in 2013 and finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist that season.
The lieutenant governor race includes several contenders, such as Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, and Opelika pastor Dean Odle. McCarron’s campaign will focus on positioning himself as an “outsider candidate” to challenge entrenched political figures.
Currently a college football analyst and co-owner of McCarron Real Estate with his wife, Katherine Webb McCarron, the former athlete stated, “The Montgomery insiders and career politicians have had their chance. It’s time for political newcomers and outsider candidates like me to lead the battle.”