Teixeira Wins Texas House Seat in 2026 Midterms
Former Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira won Texas's 21st Congressional District as Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Baseball
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Mark Teixeira won Texas's 21st Congressional District with 54.5% of the vote over Democrat Kristin Hook, with 99% of ballots counted. The win came in the same midterm election in which Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress.
Why it matters
Teixeira, a former MLB first baseman, will start his term in the minority party in the House. His win adds a former professional athlete to the national legislature during a shift in congressional control.
Teixeira received 54.5% of the vote in the Texas 21st District race, with 99% of ballots counted at the time of reporting. The remaining ballots and final certification were not addressed in the source material.
The players
Mark Teixeira
A former Texas Rangers first baseman who won Texas's 21st Congressional District in the 2026 midterm elections, finishing his 14-season career with 409 home runs, 1,298 RBIs, five Gold Gloves, and a 2009 World Series ring.
Jose Canseco
A former Oakland Athletics slugger known for his outspoken commentary, who criticized John Rocker in a post on X after the midterm elections.
John Rocker
A former Atlanta Braves relief pitcher whose 1999 Sports Illustrated remarks led to a suspension that was later reduced on appeal.
The details
Teixeira's campaign included knocking on doors, working in the polls, and hosting events, and he was endorsed by President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott. The district runs from the San Antonio area into part of Austin.
Timeline
1999: John Rocker's Sports Illustrated remarks led to a 28-game suspension, later reduced to 14 games on appeal.
November 3, 2026: Midterm elections were held, with Democrats winning control of both chambers of Congress and Teixeira winning TX-21.
November 4, 2026: Jose Canseco posted criticism of John Rocker on X.
Big Picture
Teixeira joins a small group of former major league players elected to Congress, following Jim Bunning, who won a U.S. House seat from Kentucky in 1986 before later serving in the Senate. His win extends that pattern into the 2026 midterms.
Teixeira's election places a former Rangers star in the House minority for his first term. Fans following his career can track his legislative work through the district he now represents.
The takeaway
A former MLB player's move into Congress shows how public service can follow a sports career. Readers interested in the election can follow results for Texas's 21st District as final counts are certified.
Further reading
For more on the sport Teixeira played at the highest level, see Baseball coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
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