Former MLB first baseman Mark Teixeira announced he’s running for Congress in Texas, joining a long list of athletes who’ve made the jump from sports to politics.
Mark Teixeira has announced he’s running for Congress in Texas
(via @teixeiramark25) pic.twitter.com/RfZhJeciGJ
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) August 28, 2025
The three-time All-Star will run as a conservative in Texas’ 21st District, located northwest of San Antonio. It’s an open seat because current Congressman Chip Roy announced he’s running for state Attorney General instead.
Teixeira’s campaign slogan reads “Proven winner ready to fight for Texas families, conservative principles, and the America First agenda.” He voiced support for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and said he’s “always championed conservative causes.”
From Diamond to District
The move makes sense when you consider Teixeira’s Texas connections. Born in Maryland, he started his career with the Rangers organization and played three seasons in Texas before being traded to Atlanta in 2007.
That began a whirlwind period – one season with the Braves, half a season with the Angels, then eight years with the Yankees before retiring in 2016. But Texas is where it all began for him professionally.
“I will campaign hard, meet Texans across the district, and earn every vote,” Teixeira said. “In Congress, I’ll always stand up for the real heroes – our men and women in uniform, police officers and firefighters, farmers and ranchers, parents, teachers, and hard-working taxpayers.”
Athletes Turned Politicians
Sure, fans often tell athletes to “stick to sports” when they make political statements. But the transition from sports to politics isn’t exactly rare. Here’s a look at some notable athletes who’ve made that jump:
| Athlete | Sport/League | Political Role |
| Michelle Kwan | Figure Skating | U.S. Ambassador to Belize (2022-2025) |
| Steve Largent | NFL Wide receiver | U.S. Representative (1995-2003) |
| Dave Bing | NBA | Mayor of Detroit (2009-2013) |
| Walter Johnson | Hall of Fame pitcher | Commissioner of Montgomery County in 1938 |
| Tommy Tuberville | Football | U.S. Senator (2021-present) |
| Jesse Ventura | WWE | Governor (1999-2003) |
| Manny Pacquiao | Boxing | Senator of the Philippines (2016-2022) |
| Bill Bradley | NBA | U.S. Senator (1979-1997), tried to run for President in 2000 |
| Jim Bunning | Hall of Fame pitcher | State Senator (1980-1984), U.S. Representative (1987-1999), U.S. Senator (1999-2011) |
| Anthony Gonzalez | NFL | U.S. Representative (2019-2023) |
| Glenn Jacobs | WWE | Mayor of Knox County, TN (2018-present) |
| Napolean Harris | NFL | Member of Illinois Senate (2013-present) |
| Kevin Johnson | NBA | Mayor of Sacramento (2008-2016) |
| Jon Runyan | NFL | New Jersey’s House of Representatives (2011-2015) |
Some of these transitions worked better than others. Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning had the longest political career, serving over 30 years in various roles. Meanwhile, Bill Bradley went from NBA champion to U.S. Senator and even took a shot at the presidency.
What makes Teixeira’s bid interesting is the timing. At 45, he’s been retired long enough to establish post-baseball interests but still young enough that voters remember his playing days. His “proven winner” messaging clearly tries to connect his World Series championship with the Yankees to his political aspirations.
Whether that translates to votes remains to be seen. But given the number of former athletes who’ve successfully made this transition, Teixeira’s candidacy shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone following the intersection of sports and politics.
