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Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira has been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas' 21st Congressional District. The 46-year-old Republican defeated Democrat Kristin Hook, a former federal scientist, in Tuesday's election. Teixeira will assume office in January, marking his first successful bid for public office.
Teixeira, a three-time MLB All-Star and World Series champion with the New York Yankees, ran on a platform of conservative values, pledging to work with President Donald Trump to secure the border and end "radical woke indoctrination." He also emphasized lowering health care costs, pushing for term limits, and defending "parental rights."
The 21st Congressional District, which covers a conservative area west of Austin and San Antonio, has not elected a Democrat since 1978. Teixeira's victory was expected, as the district is deeply conservative and was redrawn to favor the GOP in the 2026 election.
Teixeira's opponent, Hook, ran on a platform opposing corporate interference in politics and protecting Texas' natural resources. Despite her efforts, Teixeira maintained a strong lead throughout the election, ultimately securing the seat previously held by Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who did not seek reelection.
In other notable races, former college football coach Tommy Tuberville was elected governor of Alabama, while former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya lost her U.S. Senate bid in Minnesota. Tuberville, a Republican, defeated Democrat Doug Jones, while Tafoya was defeated by Democrat Peggy Flanagan.
Teixeira expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "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," as reported by ESPN.