Former Athletes to Compete in November 3 Midterms
Former professional athletes are among the candidates running for federal office in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Elections
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Candidates with professional sports backgrounds are seeking election to the U.S. Congress in the midterm elections on November 3. These individuals include former MLB and NFL players along with a Paralympian competing for a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Why it matters
The entry of these high-profile figures into federal races follows campaign cycles shaped by endorsements from political leaders like Donald Trump and Barack Obama. Candidate Jay Fili specifically entered the race following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in July 2024.
Candidates are campaigning for federal House and Senate seats across Texas, Arizona, and Iowa. Professional sports backgrounds range from a 14-season MLB career to a 20-year basketball career, with candidates ranging in age from 46 to 50 years old.
The players
Mark Tessera
He is a 46-year-old Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas who played 14 seasons in MLB.
Jay Fili
He is a 50-year-old Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona who played for six NFL teams over 13 seasons.
Josh Turek
He is a 47-year-old Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa who won Paralympic gold medals in wheelchair basketball.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States who has provided endorsements for various congressional candidates.
Barack Obama
He is a former President of the United States who has provided endorsements for candidates in the current election cycle.
The details
Mark Tessera, a 46-year-old former MLB player with 409 career home runs, is running for a U.S. House seat in Texas. In Arizona, 50-year-old former NFL player Jay Fili and 49-year-old Democrat Amishi Shah are competing, while 47-year-old Paralympian Josh Turek runs for the U.S. Senate in Iowa.
Timeline
July 2024: The attempted assassination of Donald Trump occurred in Pennsylvania.
November 3, 2026: The U.S. midterm elections will take place.
Political Context
Opposition parties frequently emphasize the lack of legislative experience in candidates transitioning from professional sports to politics. These groups often prioritize traditional career backgrounds in law or public service when challenging high-profile outsiders.
Voters will encounter these candidates on their ballots during the midterm elections on November 3. The outcome of these races will directly impact the representation of their respective states in the U.S. Congress.
The takeaway
The transition of professional athletes into the political arena reflects a broader trend of celebrity-led campaigns in federal elections. Voters should evaluate these candidates based on their stated policy platforms and experience rather than their prior professional sports records.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Elections coverage across the country.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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