Not So Fast, My Friend: Why AJ McCarron’s Exit Won’t Save Wes Allen
- Christopher M Peeks
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Christopher M Peeks December 25, 2025
Just like Santa comes and goes in the twinkling of an eye, so did former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron in his short-lived bid for Alabama Lieutenant Governor. Christmas came early for Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, as McCarron’s departure gave his dead campaign new life—but don’t expect this Lazarus to rise from the grave.
AJ’s exit resets the contest, and at first glance, Allen may think he’s the benefactor. But since he likes to conjure up mythical images of his playing days at Alabama, let’s use a famous football saying here. As the great Lee Corso would say: "Not so fast, my friend!"
The reason is very simple: Nobody likes Wes Allen. I’m not telling you something people don’t already know. The only reason "daddy’s boy" got as far as he has is because of his father.
On the other hand, he is facing an affable character. This man is as country as catfish and grits—a self-made man that everybody loves: Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate.
Folks, this is not even going to be close. Pate, according to the last finance reports, has enough money to compete; when you put the two together, it is a no-brainer. You’ve got a down-home country boy that everyone can relate to versus an entitled little brat who gets his feelings hurt at every turn.
Secretary Allen may have had a merry Christmas with McCarron leaving the race, but he is not going to have a happy New Year. Come next May, Rick Pate is going to beat him "like a rented mule" in the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor. Wes Allen will be a footnote in Alabama political history, and that is something we can all be thankful for in the new year.
Christopher M. Peeks
Reporter and Columnist
Alabama Political Contributor