Former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira won the Republican primary for Texas' 21st Congressional District on Tuesday, securing more than 50% of the vote in a crowded field and avoiding a runoff election.

Teixeira, who played 14 seasons in MLB including with the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees, will now face Democratic candidate Kristin Hook in the November general election. The seat is currently held by incumbent Republican Chip Roy.

The former first baseman began his professional baseball career with the Texas Rangers before playing for several teams during his MLB tenure. He was part of the New York Yankees team that won the 2009 World Series championship.

Texas' 21st District covers parts of central Texas and has been a Republican stronghold. The primary victory marks Teixeira's first successful bid for political office as he transitions from his post-baseball career into the political arena.

The November general election will determine who represents the district in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next congressional term.