When athletes make political gestures or participate protests they’re often met with the common “stick to sports” refrain from fans.
Despite this, it isn’t uncommon for sports stars to retire and pursue a career in politics to try and make a lasting impact on an area of the country that is important to them.
Former Braves, Rangers and Yankees star Mark Teixeira announced plans to run for Congress in Texas, becoming the latest athlete to make the jump from sports to politics.
Mark Teixeira has announced he’s running for Congress in Texas
(via @teixeiramark25) pic.twitter.com/RfZhJeciGJ
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) August 28, 2025
Teixeira was born in Maryland but started his baseball career in the Rangers organization. He played in Texas before being traded to the Braves in 2007. After just one season, he was traded again to the Angels. He finished out the 2008 season in Anaheim and then signed a massive contract with the Yankees. Teixeira retired in 2018.
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Here’s more on Teixeira’s decision to run for a congressional seat in Texas.
Is Mark Teixeira a Democrat or a Republican?
In his campaign announcement, Teixeira said he will run as a conservative. His slogan is “Proven winner ready to fight for Texas families, conservative principles, and the America First agenda.” In a press release, Teixeira said he has “always championed conservative causes” and voiced support for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican.
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Where is Mark Teixeira running for Congress?
Teixeira will be running in Texas’ 21st District. This district is located just northwest of San Antonio.
The current Congressman from that area is Chip Roy, but his sit will be vacated because he announced that he plans to run for the state’s Attorney General position.
Teixeira said, “I will campaign hard, meet Texans across the district, and earn every vote. In Congress, I’ll always stand up for the real heroes – our men and women in uniform, police officers and firefighters, farmers and ranchers, parents, teachers, and hard-working taxpayers.”
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Other notable athletes to have become politicians
Here are some notable athletes who have gone on to become politicians.
| Athlete | Sport/League | Political Role |
| Michelle Kwan | Figure Skating | U.S. Ambassador to Belize (2022-2025) |
| Steve Largent | NFL Wide receiver | U.S. Representative (1995-2003) |
| Dave Bing | NBA | Mayor of Detroit (2009-2013) |
| Walter Johnson | Hall of Fame pitcher | Commissioner of Montgomery County in 1938 |
| Tommy Tuberville | Football | U.S. Senator (2021-present) |
| Jesse Ventura | WWE | Governor (1999-2003) |
| Manny Pacquiao | Boxing | Senator of the Philippines (2016-2022) |
| Bill Bradley | NBA | U.S. Senator (1979-1997), tried to run for President in 2000 |
| Jim Bunning | Hall of Fame pitcher | State Senator (1980-1984), U.S. Representative (1987-1999), U.S. Senator (1999-2011) |
| Anthony Gonzalez | NFL | U.S. Representative (2019-2023) |
| Glenn Jacobs | WWE | Mayor of Knox County, TN (2018-present) |
| Napolean Harris | NFL | Member of Illinois Senate (2013-present) |
| Kevin Johnson | NBA | Mayor of Sacramento (2008-2016) |
| Jon Runyan | NFL | New Jersey’s House of Representatives (2011-2015) |
