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MLB Superstar Announces He’s Running For Congress

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3 months ago

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Former Major League Baseball star and World Series champion Mark “Tex” Teixeira is stepping into the political arena, officially launching his campaign for Congress in Texas’ 21st District. The longtime Texas Ranger first baseman announced his bid Thursday morning, pledging to bring the same discipline and teamwork that fueled his baseball career into his run for public office.

Teixeira, 45, is seeking to succeed Rep. Chip Roy (R-XT), who recently announced he would not pursue re-election in order to run for Texas Attorney General. That decision left open a heavily conservative district that stretches across the Hill Country, from San Antonio suburbs to Austin and into rural Central Texas.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Teixeira told supporters: “Big news: I’m ready to go! As a lifelong conservative who loves this country, I’m running for Congress to fight for the principles that make Texas and America great. It takes teamwork to win – I’m ready to help defend President Trump’s America First agenda, Texas families, and individual liberty.”

The announcement immediately drew national attention, with Teixeira becoming the latest in a growing trend of professional athletes entering politics.

Drafted fifth overall in 2001, Teixeira spent 14 seasons in the major leagues, earning three All-Star selections, five Gold Gloves, and three Silver Sluggers. He capped his career with a 2009 World Series championship as a member of the New York Yankees.

Following his retirement, Teixeira and his wife, Leigh, returned to Texas to raise their three children. Since then, he has been involved in business ventures, charitable foundations, and conservative advocacy, working closely with the Texas Public Policy Foundation and supporting Governor Greg Abbott.

New York Yankees player Mark Teixeira attends the “Billions” Season Two Premiere at Cipriani’s on February 13, 2017 in New York City.

“Playing for the Texas Rangers and raising my family in the Lone Star State has been one of the greatest blessings of my life,” Teixeira said in his campaign launch. “Now I’m ready to answer the call to serve my country, my state, and the conservative principles that have made Texas the envy of the nation.”

Teixeira’s campaign launch put heavy emphasis on aligning with President Donald Trump’s America First platform. He promised to focus on securing the southern border, strengthening the military, defending the Second Amendment, and fighting what he called “radical woke indoctrination.”

“Texas is the land of fierce independence, relentless optimism, and limitless opportunity,” Teixeira said. “Congressman Chip Roy has represented this district with unwavering courage. I’m running to ensure District 21 remains prosperous and free for generations to come.”

The former Yankee added that his campaign will center on protecting families, promoting energy independence, and ensuring that “farmers, ranchers, teachers, and hard-working taxpayers” have a voice in Washington.

Though new to politics, Teixeira is not new to conservative activism. Since moving back to Texas in 2021, he has been a vocal advocate for Republican policies and faith-based initiatives. His family attends Austin Ridge Bible Church, and he has remained active in Christian ministries and nationwide charitable work.

Teixeira will face a crowded Republican primary next spring, with other candidates expected to jump into the race following Roy’s departure.

“I will campaign hard, meet Texans across the district, and earn every vote,” he said. “In Congress, I’ll always stand up for the real heroes — our men and women in uniform, police officers and firefighters, farmers and ranchers, parents, teachers, and hard-working taxpayers.”

For the baseball star turned political hopeful, the next challenge won’t be on the diamond, but at the ballot box.

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