Former University of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron will not seek the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2026.
The former NFL quarterback, in a statement shared Wednesday morning, said he is ending his campaign to focus on a new football opportunity. The announcement about that opportunity will take place sometime this week.
McCarron, 35, had no mention about his lieutenant governor’s race on his social media “X” feed, although it is flooded with references to Alabama football and his role on “The Dynasty,” a podcast talk show dedicated to Crimson Tide football.
McCarron, 35, is a political novice and had never registered to vote until he became a candidate in October. He said in a video announcing his campaign that he had been inspired to run by the work of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
McCarron, a Mobile native, was the quarterback of the Crimson Tide’s 2012 and 2013 national championships.
In his statement, he also endorsed U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, a former head football coach at Auburn, for governor.
“They are building a new Alabama State House because the old one busted at the seams with all of the Montgomery insiders and career politicians packed inside, and while my job offer won’t allow me to run, it is time for political newcomers and conservative outsider candidates like Coach Tuberville to step forward and lead,” McCarron said.
McCarron said he may reconsider a political run someday in the future.
“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, so I may return to the political playing field once my career on the football field has truly run its course,” he said. “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’s exit leaves the Republican field with Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate, Opelika pastor Dean Odle, and commercial realtor Nicole Wadsworth. The primary is May 19, 2026.
The current lieutenant governor is Republican Will Ainsworth, who is term-limited from running again.
