Former Yankees star Mark Teixeira is running for Congress.
The once-slugging first baseman, who played in pinstripes from 2009 to 2016, is running as a Republican in Texas’ 21st Congressional District, he said in a campaign announcement.
“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 said in the public message. “It takes teamwork to win — I’m ready to help defend President Trump’s America First agenda, Texas families, and individual liberty.”
Teixeira, 45, is a native of Annapolis, Maryland, who also played for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels. He signed as a free agent with the Yankees in 2009, and helped propel them to their most recent World Series title. He finished his career with more than 400 home runs, five Gold Gloves and three All-Star Game appearances.
The seat is currently occupied by Rep. Chip Roy, who is running in 2026 for Texas attorney general.
Teixeira, in his campaign announcement, said he moved to Texas in 2021 to raise his children and to “pursue new business opportunities, supporting education and Christian ministries.” He previously supported Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation. As part of his campaign, Teixeira pledges to secure the border, “end woke radical indoctrination,” and defend the Second Amendment.
Texieira is the latest former Yankee to support President Donald Trump and his agenda. His former teammate Johnny Damon and former Yankee and current broadcaster Paul O’Neill have endorsed Trump. Yankees Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera endorsed Trump last year and played catch at the White House during the president’s first term.
Yankees team officials did not respond to a comment request on Teixeira’s candidacy.
Several Texas Democrats are vying for the seat that went overwhelmingly for Trump and Roy in last year’s election. The district is also expected to absorb part of the region surrounding Austin, under a Texas redistricting proposal to secure more seats for Republicans.
Texas Democrats did not a respond to a request for comment Thursday.
John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.