Former MLB All-Star first baseman Mark Teixeira announced on social media on Thursday that he is running for U.S. Congress in Texas’s 21st district. Teixeira, a Republican, aims to replace Chip Roy, the current representative who won’t seek re-election and is pursuing the Texas attorney general’s office instead.
Teixeira was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and attended Georgia Tech University. Although he spent most of his career with the New York Yankees, he was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers and appeared in parts of five seasons with them, a fact he highlighted in his announcement.
“Playing for the Texas Rangers and raising my family in the Lone Star State has been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” he said.
The 45-year-old Teixeira appeared in parts of 14 major-league seasons from 2003 to 2016. He finished with a career .268 batting average, a .360 on-base percentage and a .509 slugging percentage, a 126 OPS+. He belted 409 home runs and accumulated an estimated 50.5 Wins Above Replacement, according to Baseball Reference. He earned three All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards and three Silver Slugger Awards, and was part of the Yankees’ 2009 World Series-winning team. He also spent time with the Los Angeles Angels and the Atlanta Braves.
Teixeira’s entry adds to a growing list of former baseball players and personnel who have sought public office, following figures such as Steve Garvey and Bobby Valentine in recent years. Garvey ran for the U.S. Senate last November, while Valentine challenged for Stamford, Connecticut, mayor in 2021.
Summary: Teixeira’s bid marks a high-profile shift from sports to politics, reflecting ongoing interest among athletes in public service. If elected, he would join a small but notable group of former players who have tried to translate on-field leadership into legislative or executive roles.
Additional notes for editors: If possible, include details on Teixeira’s policy priorities, campaign platform, and fundraising strategy once available. Consider adding a timeline of the Texas 21st district race and how Teixeira’s background and public profile might influence voter engagement. Potential readers may also appreciate a side-by-side comparison with other athletes turned politicians to provide context.