Former Major League Baseball standout Mark Teixeira has secured the Republican nomination for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, winning the primary outright with more than 61% of the vote and avoiding a runoff in a crowded field of 12 candidates.
Teixeira is seeking to replace Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who currently represents the district but has announced plans to run for Texas attorney general. With Roy stepping aside, the race drew significant attention as Republicans competed for the opportunity to represent one of the party’s reliably conservative districts in central Texas.
The district covers a large area west of Austin and San Antonio, and it has historically leaned strongly Republican, making the GOP primary the most consequential stage of the race.
Teixeira launched his congressional campaign in August of last year, shortly after Texas lawmakers approved a new congressional redistricting map designed to strengthen Republican prospects heading into the 2026 election cycle.
During the campaign, Teixeira highlighted issues such as border security, tax policy, and education reform. He also pledged to work closely with President Donald Trump, who endorsed him during the primary race.
The endorsement gave Teixeira a major boost in a crowded field and helped consolidate support among conservative voters. On the campaign trail, Teixeira frequently emphasized the need to secure the U.S.–Mexico border and combat what he described as “radical woke indoctrination” in schools and institutions.
Financial backing also played a role in the race. The Club for Growth PAC, along with affiliated super PACs, contributed more than $250,000 in support of Teixeira’s campaign. Following the primary victory, Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh praised the result.
“On the campaign trail, Mark Teixeira outlined his plan to lower taxes, cut red tape, and expand school freedom for every family in Texas,” McIntosh said. “Voters believed in his vision, and rewarded him with the Republican nomination.”
Before entering politics, Teixeira built a prominent career in professional baseball. He was selected fifth overall in the 2001 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers and went on to play 14 seasons in Major League Baseball.
During his career, Teixeira earned three All-Star selections, won five Gold Glove Awards and three Silver Slugger Awards, and helped lead the New York Yankees to a World Series championship in 2009. After retiring from baseball, he and his family moved back to Texas in 2021.
In the Republican primary, Teixeira defeated several opponents, including Daniel Betts, who previously ran unsuccessfully for Travis County district attorney.
On the Democratic side, Dr. Kristin Hook was leading her party’s primary with roughly 61% of the vote Tuesday night, positioning her as the likely Democratic nominee for the November general election.
Following his primary victory, Teixeira called the result a major milestone in his new political career.
“We’re going to run a strong race and win big in November, then hit the ground running to fight for Texas families,” Teixeira said. “Thank you again, TX-21. God bless Texas, and God bless America.” 🇺🇸
