Former New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, who played a pivotal role in the franchise’s most recent World Series win, announced Thursday he will run for Congress from his home state of Texas.
“As a lifelong conservative who loves this country, I’m running for Congress to fight for the principles that make Texas and America great,” Teixeira, who also played for the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels in a 14-year big league career, said in X while announcing his run.
“It takes teamwork to win – I’m ready to help defend President Trump’s America First agenda, Texas families, and individual liberty.”
Teixeira, 45, will run to represent the Lone Star State’s 21st District, located in the Texas Hill Country north of San Antonio and west of Austin.
The seat is currently held by GOP Rep. Chip Roy, who announced last week he would run for Texas attorney general in 2026 to replace current office-holder Ken Paxton.
In his campaign announcement, the former slugger 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.”
A Maryland native, Teixeira spurned his local Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals, as well as the rival Boston Red Sox, to sign an eight-year, $180 million free agent contract with the Bombers in December 2008.
The following year, Teixeira hit 39 home runs and racked up 122 RBIs, finishing second in the voting for American League MVP as the Yankees won their 27th crown, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies four games to two.
During his time in the Bronx, Teixeira won three Gold Gloves for his work at first base and made the American League All-Star team twice.
He retired following the 2016 season, his last with the Yanks.
Teixeira was not known to be openly political during his playing career.
However, in November 2015, Politico reported that he was part of the hosting committee of a fundraising event to honor then-GOP presidential candidate Marco Rubio, now secretary of state.
Teixeira is the first candidate to declare for the 21st District seat, with Bexar County Republican Party vice chair Kyle Sinclair and San Antonio City Councillor Marc Whyte also expressing interest in running.
