In a move that’s sure to shake up Texas politics — and maybe even the national stage — former Major League Baseball and Yankees star Mark Teixeira has stepped up to the plate in a whole new arena: Congress. The three-time All-Star and 2009 World Series champion is swapping the dugout for the campaign trail as he launches a bid for Texas’s 21st Congressional District seat, running as a Republican.
From Yankees Home Runs to House Seats
At 45, Teixeira enters the race with name recognition, a polished public persona, and a long track record of discipline and performance — albeit on a different kind of field. He aims to replace Congressman Chip Roy, who recently announced he’ll vacate the seat to run for Texas attorney general. That leaves a high-profile vacancy in a district that’s been reliably red, and Teixeira is positioning himself as the candidate who can keep it that way.
“As a proud Texan and lifelong conservative who loves our country, I’m ready to fight for the principles that make Texas strong and America exceptional,” Teixeira said in his campaign announcement. “I’m running to ensure District 21 remains prosperous and free for generations to come.”
A Columbia Grad with a Power Bat
This pivot into politics may seem like a curveball, but Teixeira’s post-retirement career has included financial commentary, charity work, and speaking engagements — all of which hint at his ambitions beyond baseball. He’s a Columbia-educated athlete known for his poise under pressure, and that could play well with voters seeking a fresh yet dependable voice in Washington.
During his 14-year MLB career, Teixeira was a power-hitting force, accumulating 409 home runs and nearly 1,300 RBIs, while posting a .268 batting average. He played key roles for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, and most memorably, the New York Yankees — with whom he helped capture the 2009 World Series title.
Can a Yankee Win Over Hill Country?
Now, as he steps into a race that will undoubtedly attract national attention, the question becomes whether Teixeira can transition his success from the diamond to the district — and whether voters in this central Texas stronghold are ready to send a slugger to Capitol Hill. One thing is clear: Mark Teixeira isn’t just swinging for the fences — he’s swinging for Washington.
