Former Major League Baseball first baseman Mark Teixeira on Thursday launched a bid for the open congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas).

Why it matters: Teixeira, a Republican, is the latest in a series of high-profile candidates who have found sudden opportunities to nab a safe seat in Congress.

Driving the news: Teixeira, a World Series champion who played for the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees, said in a statement he is "ready to help defend President Trump's America First agenda." • "I'm ready to answer the call to serve my country, my state, and the conservative principles that have made Texas the envy of the nation," he added. • Texeira said he moved to Central Texas in 2021 and is an active member of the local Republican and Christian communities there

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