Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira has declared his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, aiming to represent Texas' 21st Congressional District. The seat is currently held by Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who is stepping down to run for Texas attorney general.

Teixeira, a Republican and former first baseman for the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees, emphasized his conservative values and support for former President Trump's "America First" agenda in his announcement. He vowed to defend Texas families, individual liberty, and combat "radical woke indoctrination."

The 35-year-old Teixeira had a standout MLB career, earning All-Star selections and a World Series championship with the New York Yankees. After retiring, he returned to Texas with his family in 2021. The 21st Congressional District, which he seeks to represent, is a conservative stronghold located west of Austin and San Antonio.

Teixeira faces at least one opponent in the GOP primary—Daniel Betts, a former Travis County district attorney candidate. His entry into the race follows recent redistricting efforts in Texas designed to bolster Republican prospects in the 2026 election.

This development adds to a growing trend of high-profile figures from the sports world entering politics, reflecting a broader movement of athletes leveraging their public profiles to influence public policy.