The GOP team for the congressional baseball game just landed its cleanup hitter.
Former Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira emerged victorious in the race for the House of Representatives seat for Texas’ 21st district Tuesday.
The 46-year-old republican candidate defeated democrat Kristin Hook by tallying roughly 54.5 percent of the vote, according to the Associated Press.
“Thank you to my family, friends, campaign staff, and the countless supporters who stood with us during this campaign. We could not have won this race without every person who knocked on doors, worked the polls, hosted events, and pitched in to help the cause. I am truly grateful to all of you,” Texieria wrote in a social media post late Tuesday night.
“And of course, I want to thank all of the voters across the district who placed their trust in me. Nobody will work harder to continue earning that trust. 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. 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.”
Teixeira spent eight of his 14 seasons in the majors with the Yankees, finishing his career in The Bronx after signing an eight-year, $180 million deal beginning in the 2009 season.
He won five Gold Gloves and made three All-Star teams in his career and finished second in AL MVP voting in his 2009 Yankees debut — a season in which he helped the Yankees win their most recent World Series.
Teixeira slashed .268/.360/.509 and hit 409 homers in his career, which also included time with the Rangers, Angels and Braves, and slashed .248/.343/.479 with 206 homers in pinstripes.
He entered politics last August, vowing to “work with President (Donald) 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.”
Texieira earned an endorsement from Trump, who called him a “Total winner, on and off the field,” and won the GOP primary race in Texas in March.
Texas’ 21st district is roughly in the center of the state, with San Antonio and Austin in the area, and has been a GOP stronghold for several decades.
While Teixeira enjoyed a successful night, other former sports figures in the republican party had mixed results.
Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya lost her Minnesota senate race to democrat Peggy Flanagan, former Giants kicker Jay Feely lost the Arizona District 1 battle and former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville triumphed in his bid to become Alabama’s Governor.
