The GOP's winning streak in the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity continued Wednesday night at Nationals Park, where Republicans routed Democrats 11-2 to secure their sixth straight victory in the bipartisan tradition.
The game, a fixture on Capitol Hill's social calendar, drew lawmakers, staff, and fans for an evening of cross-aisle camaraderie—though the scoreboard told a lopsided story. Republicans have now won every edition since 2019, when Democrats last took the field victorious.
Former New York Yankees star Mark Teixeira, now a congressional candidate in Texas, was spotted chatting with Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) before the first pitch, adding a layer of political intrigue to the event. Teixeira's presence underscored the growing intersection of sports and politics, as detailed in our earlier coverage of how his candidacy looms over this year's game.
On the field, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) stepped to the plate but struck out, while Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) took the mound for Democrats. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) showcased defensive skills, catching a fly ball for an out and later advancing to second base. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) sparked the Republican offense by scoring the first run of the night.
Moments of bipartisanship punctuated the competition. Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) and August Pfluger exchanged a high-five, and Rep. David Taylor (R-Ohio) embraced Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) after the final out. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.) celebrated a double-play, while Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-Calif.) were seen together in the stands.
The game also served as a backdrop for broader political dynamics. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) made an appearance, as did Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), who pitched for the GOP. The sunset over Nationals Park provided a picturesque setting, and one lucky fan caught a foul ball during the action.
Behind the scenes, the event highlighted the ongoing partisan tensions that shape Washington—even as lawmakers set aside differences for a charity game. Recent rifts within the GOP have occasionally spilled into public view, but on this night, the focus was on sportsmanship.
Democrats will have to wait another year to break the GOP's hold on the trophy, which was hoisted by the victorious Republican team after the final out. The charity game raised funds for local Washington-area causes, though the exact total was not immediately disclosed.
