Former New York Yankees star Mark Teixeira announced Thursday that he intends to run for congress in Texas.
The 45-year-old, who played a pivotal role in the Yankees’ 2009 World Series win, is running for the seat currently held by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who recently announced plans to run for Texas attorney general.
The former first baseman echoed Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda as he launched his bid to represent the Lone Star State’s 21st District.
‘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 a statement.
He added, ‘It takes teamwork to win, and I’m ready to help defend President Trump’s America First agenda, Texas families, and individual liberty.’
Texas’s 21st District is in the Texas Hill Country and covers the area north of San Antonio. Rep. Roy took office in the District in 2019 after previously as chief of staff to Senator Ted Cruz.
Former New York Yankees star Mark Teixeira announced that he is running for congress
The 45-year-old World Series winner is running for the seat in Texas’s 21st District
Roy announced last week he would run for Texas attorney general in 2026 to replace current office-holder Ken Paxton
‘Congressman Chip Roy has represented this district with unwavering courage and leaves an impressive legacy of principled conservative leadership,’ Teixeira added in his statement. ‘I’m running to ensure District 21 remains prosperous and free for generations to come.’
In his statement, the former MLB All-Star also vowed to ‘work with President Trump to secure the border, grow the economy, end radical woke indoctrination, promote American energy independence, defend life and the Second Amendment, end forever wars, and strengthen the military.’
‘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. ‘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.’
Teixeria played 14 seasons in the major leagues, featuring stints with the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and the Yankees.
He arrived in the Bronx in 2008 after signing an eight-year, $180 million free agent contract with the Pinstripes.
The following season he hit 39 home runs and racked up 122 RBIs to help the Yankees clinch their 27th World Series title. That year, he also finished second in the American League MVP voting.
During his time with the Bombers, Teixiera won three Gold Gloves for his work at first base and made the American League All-Star team twice.
The former first baseman played a pivotal role in the Bronx Bombers’ 2009 World Series win
The 21st District is held by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who is running for Texas attorney general
He retired after the end of the 2016 season, which was his last with the Yankees.
Teixeira isn’t the first former Yankee to delve into the world of politics – specifically Trump’s MAGA policies.
Former Yankees and Boston Red Sox star Johnny Damon expressed for support for Trump during a DUI arrest back in 2021. He accused Florida police of arresting him over his public support for the president
He also previously opened up on the backlash that his support and friendship with Trump has sparked in recent years.
Roger Clemens also appears to be close to Trump with the former pitcher receiving an endorsement from the president over his bid to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, Mariano Rivera served on the Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission formed by Trump in March 2017. He was also named to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition earlier this year after previously serving as a co-chair during Trump’s first term.
