MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WHNT) — The primary election is less than seven months away, and former Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron is jumping into politics, entering what’s expected to be a hotly contested race for lieutenant governor.
“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,” said McCarron in a video announcing his candidacy.
In the battle for lieutenant governor, McCarron is going head-to-head with Secretary of State Wes Allen and Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate. Regardless of how wide that field becomes, both Allen and Pate said experience is what sets them apart.
Pate said his 38 years in business and relationships with other state leaders give him an advantage.
“If we’re gonna grow the state’s economy, do some of the things we need to do with prisons and mental health, then, yeah, we need to grow the economy and grow the businesses,” he said. “That’s really my experience and my background. And that’s really served us well at the Department of Ag.”
Allen said he has a proven record from his time securing elections as secretary of state and also as a state representative.
“We’re gonna take the same conservative values that I have espoused and fought for through the years to the lieutenant governor’s role,” said Allen. “We’re gonna lead, and we’re gonna represent Alabama in a first-class way.”
Former state Rep. Paul DeMarco said McCarron has strong name recognition but that the race will likely come down to issues important to voters.
“That’s what’s gonna get you elected. Yes, on-the-job experience helps, but, at this point, they’re gonna try to differentiate between these candidates — who stands with these candidates on these issues that are important to them,” said DeMarco.
The primary election will take place on May 19, 2026.
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