Mark Teixeira, a former World Series champion, is headed to Congress.
The slugger-turned-Republican politician will represent Texas’ 21st Congressional District in Washington after defeating Democrat Kristin Hook in the Tuesday mid-term election.
Teixeira was leading with more than 54% of the vote after 95% of the ballots had been counted, according to multiple media reports.
Teixeira tweeted, “Tonight’s victory belongs to the people of Texas’s 21st District. I’m not going to Washington for myself, but rather to be a strong, responsive voice for every family in this district.
“Together, we can build a better future for our families, our neighbors, and every community across Texas 21. I’m excited to get to work. I will be praying for all of you and for the future of this great nation. God bless Texas, and God bless America.”
The seat will remain in Republican hands, as it has been occupied by Rep. Chip Roy, who didn’t run for re-election. The district includes parts of Austin and San Antonio.
President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, both Republicans, endorsed Teixeira in the campaign. Abbott lost his re-election campaign against Democrat Gina Hinojosa on Tuesday, per multiple media reports.
Teixeira, 46, was born and raised in Maryland, and he attended Georgia Tech.
A first-round draft pick (fifth overall) by the Rangers in 2001, he played for Texas from 2003-07 before stints with the Atlanta Braves (2007-08), Los Angeles Angels (2008) and New York Yankees (2009-16).
Teixeira was selected an All-Star in 2005, 2009 and 2015, and he helped the Yankees win the 2009 World Series. He won five Gold Gloves for his play at first base.
In 1,862 career games, Teixeira batted .268 with a .360 on-base percentage, a .509 slugging percentage, 409 home runs and 1,298 RBIs. He is one of just 59 players to have hit 400-plus homers.