Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira has been elected to the United States House of Representatives for Texas' 21st congressional district. The Republican candidate defeated Democrat Kristin Hook, a former federal scientist, in Tuesday's election. Teixeira will succeed Republican Chip Roy, who did not seek re-election.
"Together, we can build a better future for our families, our neighbors, and every community across Texas 21," Teixeira said in a statement. "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."
The victory was a rare win for the GOP in Texas on Tuesday, as Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the gubernatorial race and Democrat James Talarico flipped a Senate seat.
Teixeira, 46, was born and raised in Maryland before attending Georgia Tech as a top prospect. He was selected fifth overall in the first round of the 2001 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers. He spent the first four and a half seasons of his career with the Rangers before being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2007 and then to the Los Angeles Angels in 2008. He signed a long-term free agent deal with the New York Yankees prior to the 2009 season and finished his career there.
In parts of 14 seasons, Teixeira hit .268/.360/.509 (126 OPS+) with 409 home runs, 1,298 RBI, five Gold Gloves, three All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger awards, and a World Series championship.
Teixeira is one of several familiar sports figures who appeared on ballots Tuesday. Former college football coach Tommy Tuberville won the Alabama gubernatorial race, while former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya lost the Minnesota Senate race.
