Citing a desire to give back to the state that has given him so much, former University of Alabama and NFL quarterback AJ McCarron is a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Alabama in the 2026 statewide election cycle.

Born and raised in Mobile, McCarron helped lead the University of Alabama to back-to-back national championships in 2012 and 2013 as 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.

McCarron finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 2013, as well.