Former Major League Baseball All-Star Mark Teixeira is stepping into politics. He recently announced his candidacy for a House seat in Texas, aligning himself with former President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Teixeira, a proud Texan and lifelong conservative, expressed his commitment to Texas values in his statement. He’s focusing on supporting Texas families and promoting individual freedom. At 45 years old, Teixeira is aiming for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, a seat currently held by Rep. Chip Roy, who plans to run for Texas attorney general. This district encompasses the area north of San Antonio.
“Chip Roy has shown remarkable leadership,” Teixeira noted. “I’m determined to keep this district strong and free for future generations.”
Teixeira’s fame as a former New York Yankees first baseman could aid in his fundraising efforts. He played for four Major League teams before retiring in 2016. After his retirement, Teixeira returned to Texas in 2021, where he and his family have focused on business and community support.
Interestingly, he’s not the only baseball figure backing Trump. Mariano Rivera, a Hall of Famer, and Johnny Damon, both from the 2009 Yankees World Series team, have also shown their support for the former president.
The 21st District is seen as a stronghold for Republicans, with Roy winning his last election by a significant margin. However, the upcoming midterm elections present challenges as Republicans work to maintain their slim House majority. Democrats are close behind, just three seats away from regaining control.
Recent legislative changes in Texas may reshape the political landscape, potentially adding seats for Democrats. However, legal battles over these changes may not impact Teixeira’s campaign, since Roy is leaving the seat regardless.
To add context, historical trends show that sports figures often transition into politics, seeking to leverage their public profiles to influence policy. Teixeira’s journey reflects a growing trend where celebrities engage in civic life, signaling their commitment to their communities and politics.
For more insights on historical trends in sports and politics, check out sources like NPR.