From Cleats to Campaigns: McCarron Blitzes Alabama Politics

By Christopher M Peeks October 23, 2025

Like a firebell in the night rousing the sleepy inhabitants of a 19th-century village to aid in dousing the flames of a barn ablaze, Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen just got a wake-up call.

With former Crimson Tide standout quarterback AJ McCarron trading his cleats and the gridiron for dress shoes on the campaign trail, McCarron’s announcement of his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor just delivered Allen a gut punch—like a body blow from Mike Tyson. Jarring. Breathtaking. Knocking him to his knees.

Just a few weeks ago, Allen appeared to be the front-runner to succeed outgoing Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth. After today, that’s out the window like a swirling McDonald’s hamburger wrapper. Gone with the wind. McCarron is now under center.

McCarron is, in many ways, in a much better position than Tommy Tuberville was five years ago when he ran for Senate. McCarron—calling on all his buddies who played ball, as well as coaches, officials, announcers, etc.—should have no problem fundraising. Furthermore, he already has Alabama fans behind him, unlike Coach, who had to convince the Bama Nation to back him. Plus, Tubby had to face a very popular former Senator, Jeff Sessions, as well as Congressman Bradley Byrne. Allen is nowhere near the caliber of candidate as the aforementioned.

If Alabama politics weren’t already sleepy enough, as one GOP operative said after today, the Yellowhammer State’s election news has taken an Ambien.

Today, AJ took the field in the opening drive of his quest to be the state’s next Lieutenant Governor, and Wes Allen is watching from the sidelines as McCarron goes in for a touchdown. There’s no way Wes Allen can douse this inferno.

Christopher M. Peeks

Reporter and Columnist

Alabama Political Contributor

AJ McCarron