Former Major League Baseball star and World Series champion Mark Teixeira secured a victory in Tuesday’s midterm elections, winning a US House seat in Texas to represent the state’s 21st Congressional District.
Teixeira Wins Texas Seat
With 99% of the ballots counted by Wednesday morning, Teixeira held a lead with 54.5% of the vote, defeating Democratic opponent Kristin Hook.
“Tonight’s victory belongs to the people of Texas’s 21st District. I’m not going to Washington for myself, but rather to be a strong, responsive voice for every family in this district,” Teixeira stated on X. “Together, we can build a better future for our families, our neighbors, and every community across Texas 21. I’m excited to get to work. I will be praying for all of you and for the future of this great nation. God bless Texas, and God bless America.“
The district, which covers conservative areas near Austin and San Antonio, has remained under Republican control since 1979. Chip Roy previously held the seat before declining to run for reelection. Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott both backed Teixeira’s campaign, though Abbott lost his own reelection bid to Democrat Gina Hinojosa amidst broader nationwide losses for Republicans.
Teixeira’s platform includes plans to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, combat cultural ideology, and protect parental rights in education. The 46-year-old politician played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, earning three All-Star selections and winning the 2009 World Series with the New York Yankees after beginning his career with the Texas Rangers.
Other Sports Figures in the Midterms
In Minnesota, former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya mounted a Republican campaign for the US Senate but was defeated by Democratic Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. Tafoya maintained distance from Donald Trump, diverged from party lines regarding the conflict with Iran, and described herself as pro-choice without detailing a precise position on abortion access. Minnesota has not sent a Republican to the US Senate since 2002, and Flanagan’s victory marks a historic first as she becomes the initial Native American woman elected to the Senate.
Meanwhile, in Alabama, 72-year-old former college football coach Tommy Tuberville secured the governorship as a Republican. Tuberville previously coached the Auburn University football team.
