Mark Teixeira, Jay Feely, and Michele Tafoya are among sports figures running for office in 2026. Athletes bring instant name recognition and fundraising power, but political veterans say fame alone doesn't guarantee winning.
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Sports personalities and others are increasingly entering politics this midterm cycle. Former New York Yankee Mark Teixeira is running for a House seat in Texas. NFL kicker Jay Feely is competing in a Republican primary in Arizona. Longtime NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya has entered a Minnesota Senate primary. The field also includes former NBA player Royce White, former coach Tommy Tuberville, now a senator running for governor, and other sports-linked candidates seeking endorsements and visibility. Strategists say sports fame provides instant name recognition and fundraising advantages. Political veterans caution that celebrity opens doors, it does not guarantee electoral success. So there's nothing new here. There are perhaps a few more big-time athletes running this time.