Ex-MLB star heavy favorite in primary to succeed longtime GOP thorn in Trump's side

Former Yankees and Rangers player Mark Teixeira is leading a crowded field of Republicans vying to replace Rep. Chip Roy in Congress.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former Major League Baseball player Mark Teixeira is the heavy favorite in the Republican primary to succeed Rep. Chip Roy in Congress. Teixeira, a former Texas Rangers and New York Yankees first baseman, has raised more cash than any other candidate, loaning $2.5 million of his own money to his campaign and pulling in another $545,000 from donors. He is endorsed by President Donald Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott, and nine of the 25 Republicans from Texas' congressional delegation.

Why it matters

The seat, which includes parts of San Antonio and several ruby red Hill Country counties, would have gone for Trump by nearly 22 points in 2024 under its new boundaries — meaning the Republican primary will likely decide the next representative. Teixeira's rivals have painted him as a carpetbagger, but he has positioned himself as a staunch conservative candidate aligning with the Trump administration on key issues.

The details

Teixeira, who retired after the 2016 season, moved back to Texas in 2021 and now lives in Bee Cave, a small town west of Austin. While he has been endorsed by high-profile Republicans, his rivals have cast doubt on the authenticity of his conservative credentials, highlighting comments he made a decade ago about athletes needing to be outspoken about climate change.

  • Teixeira launched his campaign in early 2026.
  • The Republican primary is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The players

Mark Teixeira

A former Major League Baseball player who is the heavy favorite in the Republican primary to succeed Rep. Chip Roy in Congress.

Chip Roy

The Republican congressman who is running for Texas attorney general, leaving his seat in the 21st Congressional District up for grabs.

Donald Trump

The former president who has endorsed Teixeira's campaign.

Greg Abbott

The Republican governor of Texas who has endorsed Teixeira.

Trey Trainor

A former chair of the Federal Election Commission and prominent GOP lawyer who is also running for the congressional seat.

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What they’re saying

“I stand with ICE.”

— Mark Teixeira (X)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.