AJ McCarron Enters Alabama Lieutenant Governor Race as GOP Outsider

His late voter registration has become an early flashpoint in a crowded Republican primary.

Overview

The former Alabama quarterback announced his Republican bid last week, saying Charlie Kirk’s assassination pushed him to get off the sidelines to defend conservative values.
McCarron’s campaign confirmed he had never registered to vote until a few days before filing his candidacy.
Primary rival Wes Allen criticized the non-voting record, arguing voters should weigh experience that includes casting ballots.
The field also includes Rick Pate, Nicole Wadsworth and Dean Odle, with the statewide primary set for May 19, 2026.
A retired Alabama political scientist suggested the non-voting issue may carry limited weight with typical voters, comparing it to questions that have not slowed Tommy Tuberville’s gubernatorial run.