Former Major League Baseball All-Star Mark Teixeira has won the election for the United States House of Representatives seat in Texas' 21st district. The Republican candidate defeated Democrat Kristin Hook, a former federal scientist, on Tuesday.
Teixeira, 46, will succeed Republican Chip Roy, who did not seek re-election. In a statement, Teixeira said: "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."
The victory represents a rare Republican win in Texas on Tuesday, as Democrat Gina Hinojosa won the gubernatorial race and Democrat James Talarico flipped a Senate seat.
Baseball Career
Born and raised in Maryland, Teixeira attended Georgia Tech before being selected fifth overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2001 MLB Draft. He spent his first four and a half seasons 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.
Over parts of 14 seasons, Teixeira posted a .268/.360/.509 slash line (126 OPS+) with 409 home runs, 1,298 RBI, five Gold Glove Awards, three All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger Awards, and a World Series championship.
Other Sports Figures in Elections
Teixeira was among several familiar sports personalities on the ballot Tuesday. Former college football coach Tommy Tuberville won the Alabama gubernatorial race, while former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya lost the Minnesota Senate race.
