Mark Teixeira wins the Texas GOP primary for the 21st District seat

Ex Major League Baseball Star Mark Teixeira has won the GOP Republican primary in southwest Texas. Chip Roy.

Teixeira won more than 61% of the vote, avoiding a runoff in a 12-candidate primary field.

Teixeira announced his candidacy for the Lone Star State’s 21st term Congress District seat last August. The seat is currently held by Roy, who said he is running for Texas attorney general.

Teixeira’s campaign announcement came after Republican state lawmakers approved a redistricting map aimed at strengthening the GOP’s position in the 2026 election.

Mark Teixeira #25 of the National League looks on during pregame ceremonies prior to the 2024 All-Star Futures Game at Globe Life Field on Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Sam Hode/MLB Photo via Getty Images)

President Donald Trump endorsed Teixeira in the race, and Teixeira pledged to work with the president to secure the border and end what he described as “radical wake indoctrination.”

The Club for Growth PAC, which — along with affiliated super PACs — contributed more than $250,000 to Teixeira’s candidacy, hailed his primary victory. “The group is proud to support Teixeira in the race,” said Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh.

New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 18, 2016 at Chase Field. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)

“On the campaign trail, Mark Teixeira outlined his plan to lower taxes, reduce red tape and expand school freedom for every family in Texas. Voters believed in his vision and rewarded him with the Republican nomination,” McIntosh said.

Teixeira began his MLB career with the Texas Rangers after being selected fifth overall in the 2001 MLB Draft. His 14-season career includes three All-Star selections, five Gold Gloves, three Silver Slugger Awards and a World Series title in 2009 with the New York Yankees. Teixeira and his family moved back to Texas in 2021 after retiring from baseball.

Texas Rangers designated hitter (23) Mark Teixeira doubles in the 5th inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Center in Toronto, ON. Texas won 9-8. (Tom Szerbowski/USA TODAY Sports)

Teixeira defeated fellow Republican candidate Daniel Bates, who ran unsuccessfully for Travis County district attorney last year.

The 21st Congressional District covers a large area Republicans Areas west of Austin and San Antonio.

On the side of democracy, Dr. Christine Hook was leading the primary with about 61% of the vote Tuesday night, opening the way for the general election in November.

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Teixeira described his primary victory as a “huge victory”.

“We’re going to run a strong race and win big in November, then go out and fight for Texas families,” Teixeira said. “Thanks again, TX-21. God bless Texas, and God bless America.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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