A New Face in Alabama Politics: AJ McCarron's Unusual Start

A Unique Path to Alabama's Lieutenant Governor

A Newcomer to Politics

AJ McCarron, a familiar name in sports but a newcomer to politics, has taken a unique path to running for Alabama's lieutenant governor. Before stepping into the political arena, McCarron had never registered to vote. This fact came to light just days before he announced his candidacy. His campaign confirmed that he had not voted in Alabama or any other state where he lived during his NFL career.

The "Ultimate Outsider Candidate"

McCarron, now 35, brushed off concerns about his lack of voting history, calling himself the "ultimate outsider candidate." He is set to face several opponents in the Republican primary, including Secretary of State Wes Allen and Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate.

"Why vote for someone who’s never cast a vote?"

Political Inspiration and Football Fame

McCarron's political inspiration comes from conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who motivated him to join the political fray. A former star quarterback for Alabama, McCarron led the Crimson Tide to national championships in 2011 and 2012. After his college career, he played seven seasons in the NFL with teams in Cincinnati, Oakland, and Houston. McCarron has been a long-time supporter of President Trump, endorsing him in 2016.

Contrasting Views

In contrast, Allen highlighted his own voting record, having supported Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024. He emphasized the importance of action over words, pointing to his own conservative track record.

Expert Opinions

Meanwhile, Jess Brown, a retired political science professor, downplayed the significance of McCarron's voting history. He noted that similar issues, like residency questions surrounding Senator Tommy Tuberville, did not hurt his campaign.

"Many Alabamians were also non-voters in their 20s, making McCarron's past less of an issue."

The Race Shapes Up

Brown suggested that McCarron's lack of voting might not matter much to the average voter. The race for lieutenant governor is shaping up to be an interesting one, with McCarron's sports fame and political inexperience adding a unique twist.