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How the 10 former athletes running for office performed in Tuesday's election

Nine former athletes ran for public office across the country on Tuesday. Here’s how each of them did. (Getty Images)
Nine former athletes ran for public office across the country on Tuesday. Here’s how each of them did. (Getty Images)

Ten former athletes ran for public office on Tuesday across the United States. The collection of former athletes and coaches — many of which ran for the first time — ran for offices spanning from the House of Representatives to local city council.

Here’s how each former athlete faired in their respective races across the country on Tuesday:

Anthony Gonzalez, U.S. House of Representatives

Republican and former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez beat Democrat Susan Moran Palmer in the House of Representatives race in Ohio’s 16th district, winning more than 56 percent of the vote.

The 34-year-old played for the Colts from 2007-2011, and racked up 1,307 yards on 99 receptions and had seven touchdowns in his career. The former Ohio State standout earned endorsements from U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and received donations from Peyton Manning and Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam throughout his campaign.

Colin Allred, U.S. House of Representatives

Democrat and former Tennessee Titans linebacker Colin Allred beat Republican Pete Sessions in the House of Representatives race in Texas’ 32nd district, winning more than 52 percent of the vote.

The 35-year-old played for the Titans from 2007-2010, and recorded 77 tackles in 34 games in his career. The former Baylor linebacker worked as an attorney in the Obama administration, and earned the former president’s endorsement in the race.

Jim Jordan, U.S. House of Representatives

Republican and former Wisconsin wrestler and Ohio State assistant coach Jim Jordan beat Democrat Janet Garrett in the House of Representatives race in Ohio’s 4th district, winning more than 65 percent of the vote.

The 54-year-old has served that post since 2007, and announced he will run for the House Speaker position when Paul Ryan retires in January 2019. Jordan was a two-time NCAA champion at Wisconsin, and served as an Ohio State assistant wrestling coach from 1986-1994. He has also served in the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio State Senate.

Sharice Davids, U.S. House of Representatives

Democrat and former MMA fighter Sharice Davids beat Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder in the House of Representatives race in Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District, winning more than 53 of the vote in a district that hadn’t elected a Democrat in over a decade.

The 38-year-old lawyer and member of the Ho-Chunk Nation made a lot of history with her election on Tuesday night. She’ll become one of the first two Native American women to ever serve in Congress, and the first openly gay person to ever represent Kansas. Davids began MMA fighting as an amateur in 2006, and had a 5-1 record before going pro in 2013. She went 1-1 as a pro, and tried out for “The Ultimate Fighter 20” in 2013. She didn’t make the cut, and last fought in 2014.

Napoleon Harris, Illinois State Senate

Democrat and former linebacker Napoleon Harris was reelected to the Illinois State Senate. Harris, who has held the post since 2013, ran unopposed.

Harris played in the NFL from 2002-2008 for the Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs. The 39-year-old and Chicago native recorded 346 solo tackles and four interceptions in his NFL career.

Adam Greenberg, Connecticut State Senate

Republican and former outfielder Adam Greenberg lost to Democrat Christine Cohen in the Connecticut State Senate race in Connecticut’s 12th district, according to the Branford Seven.

The 37-year-old was hit in the head by a pitch in his first at-bat with the Chicago Cubs in 2005, which caused a compound skull fracture. He played in the minor leagues for six years after that, and signed a one-day contract with the Miami Marlins following an online petition in 2012.

Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State

Democrat and former third baseman Jesse White beat Republican Jason Helland in the race for Illinois Secretary of State, winning more than 68 percent of the vote. White has held the post since 1999, and is the longest-serving and first African American to hold the post. White is entering his sixth term.

The 84-year-old played in the Chicago Cubs minor league system from 1959-1966.

Frank White, Jackson County, Missouri, County Executive

Democrat and former Kansas City Royals second baseman Frank White beat Green Party nominee Nathan Kline in the Jackson County, Missouri, County Executive race, according to the Kansas City Star. White was appointed to the post in 2016 and replaced Mike Sanders.

The 68-year-old five-time All-Star played for the Royals from 1973-1990, and won eight Gold Glove awards. He held a .255 batting average and hit 160 home runs in his 18-year career.

Clint Didier, Franklin County, Washington, Commissioner

Republican and former Washington Redskins tight end Clint Didier beat Democrat Zahra Roach in the Franklin County, Washington, Commissioner race, according to the Tri-City Herald. White had ran unsuccessfully for office four times prior to Tuesday’s election.

The 59-year-old played for the Redskins from 1982-1987 before playing two seasons with the Green Bay Packers to close out his career. Didier recorded 1,923 yards on 141 receptions and had 21 touchdowns in his eight-year career.

Aaron Rouse, Virginia Beach City Council

Independent and former safety Aaron Rouse was elected to the Virginia Beach City Council on Tuesday, according to WAVY News 10. The 34-year-old played for three seasons in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants.

Note: All election results used in this article are from CNN and the New York Times unless otherwise noted.

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