Democrats Face Tension Ahead of Congressional Baseball Game

With a six-game losing streak and the GOP’s potential addition of a key player, tension mounts for the Democrats entering this week’s Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park. Former Texas Rangers and New York Yankees star Mark Teixeira, who is ranked 58th on MLB’s all-time home run leaderboard with 409, is anticipated to secure a congressional seat in November. This would enable him to join the GOP’s lineup.

Despite the upcoming game on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET, broadcasted on Fox Nation, the Democrats are planning strategies to handle Teixeira. Senator Ruben Gallego from Arizona mentioned to The Hill, “We’re just going to walk him every time we have an opportunity.” He added, “We need to draft a major league baseball player to come and play for us.”

Teixeira, at 46, commented on his excitement to return to the field, stating, “I’m excited about knocking off the rust — then beating the Democrats on and off the field,” on X.

Based on past performances, this shouldn’t pose a challenge for starting pitcher Greg Steube from Florida’s 17th district. Steube is known for his performances both on and off the field and stated, “I’ll take the mound for the Republicans in the annual Congressional Baseball Game for charity. Looking forward to taking down the Democrats (again) and supporting a great cause!”

In 2021, while the Democrats supported then-President Joe Biden, Steube hit a historic out-of-the-park home run, the first in the Congressional Baseball Game in four decades.

Adding to the Democrats’ challenges, Representative Pat Harrigan from North Carolina, who played college baseball at Georgetown, relieved Steube in 2025 and competently closed out the game. Harrigan noted, “Republicans have won the game five years in a row, and for some reason, the Democrats keep showing up. See you tomorrow at Nationals Park as we go for six!”

With Teixeira’s addition anticipated, Steube remaining strong, and Harrigan’s youthful advantage at 38, the Democrats may see their losing streak extend to a decade. Representative Roger Williams from Texas displayed the trophy after the GOP’s 16-6 victory over the Democrats in the game held on June 14, 2023.

If there is any positive aspect for the Democrats, it is that the GOP victories have benefited D.C. charities. The 2025 game raised $2.75 million, and the upcoming game aims to exceed this record.

Joe Kinsey is the Senior Director of Content at OutKick.