Hugh McVay (April 29, 1766[1] – May 9, 1851) was the ninth governor of the U.S. state of Alabama from July 17 to November 30, 1837.

McVay moved from South Carolina to the Territory of Mississippi and represented Madison County in the Alabama Legislature from 1811 to 1818.

[2] McVay lived in the community of Mars Hill, Alabama, and is buried there.

He then served in the Alabama State Senate from 1825 to 1844.

[4] McVay was elected Speaker of the Senate in 1836 and became acting governor of Alabama in 1837 when Governor Clement C. Clay was appointed to the United States Senate.