BREAKING: A wave of former athletes and coaches is charging into the political arena for the 2026 elections, aiming to turn their competitive spirit into a fight for congressional seats. These candidates, while lacking traditional political backgrounds, are banking on their name recognition and public personas to sway voters.
Among the frontrunners is Mark Teixeira, the former New York Yankees first baseman, who just announced his bid to represent Texas in the House. Teixeira, 45, is targeting the seat held by GOP Rep. Chip Roy, who is vying for Texas attorney general. With a celebrated 14-season MLB career, Teixeira is positioning himself as a “lifelong conservative” ready to champion the “America First agenda.” He stated, “It takes teamwork to win — I’m ready to help defend President Trump’s agenda and fight for Texas families.”
In Georgia, former college football coach Derek Dooley is making waves as he enters the Senate race, hoping to unseat Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. Dooley, 57, comes from a storied coaching lineage and emphasizes his experience in creating hope and opportunity for diverse communities. He declared, “We need new leadership in Georgia, that’s why I’m running for Senate,” pledging collaboration with Trump.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, former NFL kicker Jay Feely is gearing up to replace GOP Rep. Andy Biggs, who is also running for governor. Feely, 49, framed his campaign with the slogan, “Tough on the field, tougher in Washington,” highlighting his staunch support for Trump and his dedication to border security and women’s rights in sports. His motivation? The recent assassination attempt against Trump, which he cites as a catalyst for his political ambitions.
These athletes are not alone in their pursuit; they join a growing roster of sports figures who have transitioned to politics. However, history shows that success is not guaranteed. Notable failures include former NBA player Royce White, who lost to Sen. Amy Klobuchar in Minnesota, and former NFL star Herschel Walker, who was defeated by Sen. Raphael Warnock in Georgia.
As these candidates ramp up their campaigns, the landscape of the 2026 elections is becoming increasingly dynamic. Voters are urged to watch closely as these figures leverage their sports backgrounds to carve out political identities.
In a political climate charged with urgency and change, these athletes are not just playing games; they are ready to engage in what could be a fierce battle for seats in Congress. Stay tuned for ongoing updates on their campaigns as the elections approach.
