Former Rangers Player, Texas Tech Coach Win Political Races

AUSTIN, TX — Former Major League Baseball All-Star Mark Teixeira and former Texas Tech football coach Tommy Tuberville are heading into new political roles after winning their respective elections Tuesday.

Teixeira, who played for the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees during his baseball career, defeated Democrat Kristin Hook in the race for Texas' 21st Congressional District. The three-time All-Star will replace Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who chose not to run for reelection.

Teixeira secured the Republican nomination in March, receiving more than 61% of the primary vote.

Following his victory, Teixeira shared a message on X thanking supporters and expressing enthusiasm about representing the district.

"Together, we can build a better future for our families, our neighbors, and every community across Texas 21," Teixeira said in the post.

During his campaign, Teixeira said he planned to work alongside President Donald Trump on border security and efforts to end what he described as "radical woke indoctrination."

The 21st District includes a largely conservative region west of Austin and San Antonio. Teixeira entered the congressional race shortly after Texas Republican lawmakers approved a redistricting map designed to benefit the party in the 2026 election.

Meanwhile, Tuberville won Alabama's gubernatorial election, defeating Democrat Doug Jones in a rematch between the two politicians. Tuberville previously defeated Jones in 2020 to win his U.S. Senate seat.

Before entering politics, Tuberville built a career in college football, serving as head coach at Texas Tech, Auburn, Ole Miss and Cincinnati. He entered the political arena after winning his Senate race in 2020 and later decided against pursuing another term.

Tuberville maintained a close political relationship with Trump during his Senate service. Trump endorsed him in his Senate campaign and again supported his run for Alabama governor.