The 14-year big leaguer announced his campaign to represent Texas’ 21 congressional district up for election in 2026
Nearly ten years after playing his last Major League Baseball game, former Texas Rangers first-round draft pick and Gold Glove winner Mark “Tex” Teixeira is venturing into politics.
Teixeira, who was selected fifth overall in the 2001 MLB Draft, announced on Thursday that he’s running for Congress in Texas’ 21st District. Since retiring from baseball in 2016, he has pursued various business ventures and began engaging in politics in 2021.
Now 45 years old, Teixeira will be running as a Republican in the November 2026 election. Texas’ 21st congressional district includes parts of Central Texas north of San Antonio, covering areas such as Austin, Boerne, Fredericksburg, Ingram, Kerrville, Kyle, New Braunfels, and San Marcos.
Teixeira played 14 seasons in the MLB, starting his career with five seasons in Texas. While with the Rangers, he earned All-Star honors in 2005, won two Silver Slugger awards, and claimed two Gold Gloves.
In 2007, after declining an eight-year extension from the Rangers, Teixeira was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with Ron Mahay and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. In return, Texas received Elvis Andrus, Matt Harrison, Neftalí Feliz, and Beau Jones.
Later, he signed a significant eight-year, $180 million contract with the New York Yankees before the 2009 season. That same year, he led the American League in home runs (39) and RBIs (122), and helped the Yankees win the World Series.
Over his career, Teixeira was a three-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger winner, and five-time Gold Glove recipient. However, despite his accomplishments, he appeared on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot only once in 2022, receiving just 1.5% of the vote and falling off the ballot.
Although originally from Maryland, Teixeira now lives in Central Texas with his wife and three children. His move into politics follows a familiar path for many former professional and collegiate athletes who later pursue public office.
