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Mark Teixeira is one of the few Republicans who had a good night
Former New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira has won a seat in the US House of Representatives, defeating Democrat Kristin Hook in Texas’s 21st district. His victory gives Republicans a former high-profile athlete in Congress, while the article notes that other candidates from sport had mixed results.
Teixeira received about 54.5 per cent of the vote, according to the Associated Press, and entered politics last August after a 14-season Major League Baseball career. He won five Gold Gloves and three All-Star selections, and helped the Yankees win the 2009 World Series. President Donald Trump endorsed him; the district, which includes parts of the San Antonio and Austin areas, has long been a Republican stronghold. Elsewhere, Michele Tafoya and Jay Feely lost their races, while Tommy Tuberville won Alabama’s governorship.
In short
- Mark Teixeira won Texas’s 21st district with about 54.5 per cent.
- The former Yankees first baseman is heading to the US House.
- Other former sports figures had mixed election results.
Explained simply
The US House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of Congress, where elected lawmakers represent local districts and help make federal laws. Texas’s 21st district covers areas around San Antonio and Austin, and has generally elected Republicans.
Mark Teixeira is a former professional baseball player who spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, including with the New York Yankees. He became known for his fielding and was part of the Yankees team that won the 2009 World Series.
The result brings a former high-profile athlete into Congress at a time when several other candidates with sports backgrounds also ran for office. Their campaigns had different outcomes, reflecting that sporting fame does not guarantee electoral success.