Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira announced Thursday that he’s running for the Republican nomination for a House seat in Texas.
The former Texas Rangers and New York Yankees slugger has announced his candidacy for the 21st District seat, presently occupied by Republican Rep. Chip Roy. Roy has decided not to run for reelection, opting instead to pursue the position of Texas attorney general.
“As a devoted Texan and lifelong conservative with a deep love for our country, I’m prepared to advocate for the values that keep Texas robust and America exceptional,” Teixeira expressed in a statement on X. “Winning requires teamwork, and I’m eager to support President Trump’s America First initiative, Texas families, and the freedom of individuals.”
Teixeira’s career began with the Rangers as the 5th overall pick in the 2001 MLB draft. During his 14-season tenure, he achieved three All-Star Game appearances, five Gold Gloves, three Silver Sluggers, and secured a World Series championship with the Yankees in 2009. In 2021, Teixeira and his family relocated back to Texas after his baseball retirement.
In his announcement, Teixeira pledged to work with Trump to secure the border and end “radical woke indoctrination.”
There’s already another participant in the GOP primary for the district — Daniel Betts, who previously ran unsuccessfully for Travis County district attorney, has submitted documents to enter the race.
The 21st Congressional District represents a predominantly conservative region to the west of Austin and San Antonio. Teixeira declared his campaign shortly after state Legislature Republicans approved a redistricting plan designed to benefit the GOP in the 2026 elections.
