Roger Clemens has reportedly told a Texas congressman he has "no interest" in running for Congress in 2020, despite being mentioned as a possible candidate.
ABC News reports that the legendary pitcher sent a message to Texas Republican Rep. Pete Olson that he would decline the opportunity to run as a GOP candidate for Texas' 22nd district in the 2020 election, citing the current "climate in politics." Olson, who has held the seat since 2009, unexpectedly announced his retirement last month.
According to the report, Clemens said he was "honored" that Olson "would consider me as a candidate to represent our great State of Texas in the 22 District, I have no interest in doing so."
"The climate in politics at this time is much more than I would want to undertake along with my family considerations."
The 57-year-old Clemens, who won a record seven Cy Young Awards during his 24 seasons, has donated to Republican causes in the past. He had reportedly been mentioned in recent days in both Texas and Washington as a possible candidate for the GOP-friendly district, although an aide to the National Republican Congressional Committee said that House GOP recruitment officials haven't "spoken directly to him."
"Roger Clemens would be a good candidate, but we don't need a celebrity baseball player to win it," the aide told ABC News. "It's Texas. We have a huge bench down there."
Clemens is the second former Red Sox pitcher in recent days to be mentioned in congressional news. Curt Schilling told the Arizona Republic last week he is "absolutely considering" a bid for Congress in Arizona. President Donald Trump responded with a tweet, "Curt Schilling, a great pitcher and patriot, is considering a run for Congress in Arizona. Terrific!"