Democrats Prepare for Challenging Congressional Baseball Game

Facing a six-game losing streak, the Democrats are feeling the pressure as the GOP strengthens its lineup for the upcoming Congressional Baseball Game at Nationals Park.

Mark Teixeira, an accomplished former player for the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees, might soon join the GOP roster upon winning a Congressional seat in November. With 409 career home runs, he ranks 58th on MLB’s all-time list. This prospect already has the Democrats devising strategies.

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) shared with The Hill, “We’re just going to walk him every time we have an opportunity. We need to draft a major league baseball player to come and play for us.”

New York Yankees’ first baseman Mark Teixeira waves to fans after his final game against the Baltimore Orioles on October 2, 2016, at Yankee Stadium.

Teixeira, now 46, expressed excitement about playing again after nearly a decade. “I’m excited about knocking off the rust — then beating the Democrats on and off the field,” he wrote on social media platform X.

Greg Steube, a starting pitcher for the Republicans, relishes the opportunity to compete in this annual charity game. He announced his anticipation to “take the mound” and support a worthy cause.

In 2021, Steube made history by hitting the first out-of-the-park home run in 40 years during the game, as Democrats rallied around then-President Joe Biden in the dugout.

The Democrats face more challenges. Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), a former college baseball player, effectively closed out the Democrats in 2025. Harrigan remarked on Instagram, noting the Republicans’ five-year winning streak and their plan to make it six. “Republicans have won the game five years in a row, and for some reason the Democrats keep showing up,” he wrote.

With Teixeira’s addition, Steube’s consistent performance, and Harrigan’s youth, the GOP seems poised to extend its dominance.

If there’s any silver lining for the Democrats, it’s the fact that losing has helped D.C. charities. In 2025, the game raised $2.75 million, and the upcoming event aims to surpass this.

Joe Kinsey serves as the Senior Director of Content at OutKick.