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Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira has won election to the U.S. House of Representatives, defeating Democrat Kristin Hook in Texas’ 21st Congressional District.
Teixeira, a Republican and three-time MLB All-Star, will succeed Rep. Chip Roy, who chose not to seek reelection. The district covers a largely conservative area west of Austin and San Antonio.
The former Texas Rangers and New York Yankees first baseman celebrated the victory in a statement posted on X, thanking voters and promising to represent communities across the district.
“Together, we can build a better future for our families, our neighbors, and every community across Texas 21,” Teixeira wrote. “I’m excited to get to work. I will be praying for all of you and for the future of this great nation. God bless Texas, and God bless America.”
Teixeira Moves From Baseball to Politics
Teixeira, 46, was selected fifth overall by the Rangers in the 2001 MLB Draft and began his major league career with the franchise in 2003.
He spent five seasons in Texas before playing for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels. He joined the Yankees in 2009 and won a World Series championship in his first season in New York.
Across 14 MLB seasons, Teixeira recorded 409 home runs and earned three All-Star selections, five Gold Gloves and three Silver Slugger Awards. He retired after the 2016 season and moved his family back to Texas in 2021.
His congressional campaign focused on conservative priorities, including border security, parental rights and opposition to what he described as “radical woke indoctrination.” President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott endorsed his bid.
Former Athletes Feature in Other Election Results
Teixeira was not the only former athlete involved in the 2026 midterm elections.
Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya, who ran as a Republican, lost her Minnesota Senate race to Democrat Peggy Flanagan. Meanwhile, former NFL kicker Jay Feely’s race against Democrat Amish Shah in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District remained too close to call in the reported results.
Former college football coach Tommy Tuberville also won the Alabama gubernatorial race, defeating Democrat Doug Jones. Tuberville previously served as a Republican U.S. senator after winning election in 2020.
Teixeira now joins a small group of former professional baseball players who have served in Congress, including Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning.
