a day ago
No, Adam Wainwright is not running for U.S. Congress anytime soon
ST. LOUIS – Adam Wainwright is a man of many hats: A father of five, a recently-retired St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, a country music artist and an occasional analyst on MLB broadcasts.
One title he won't be adding soon? A Missouri Congressman.
FOX 2 has learned that Wainwright is not pursuing a run for political office in the foreseeable future, despite recent speculation.
Earlier this week, a report from claimed that Wainwright had been 'recruited' to challenge Missouri U.S. Rep Ann Wagner for political office. Wagner, a U.S. Congresswoman of the Republican party, has served in Missouri's 2nd Congressional District since 2013.
The report referenced an apparent poll question from Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling, which was reportedly discussed in a Cardinals subreddit post.
According to that post, the poll included questions such as 'Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Adam Wainwright?' and 'If the candidates for Congress next time were Republican Ann Wagner and Democrat Adam Wainwright, who would you vote for?' (The poll did not identify Wainwright with a particular political party in its phrasing.)
The online chatter led some to believe that Wainwright might seriously be considering a campaign for a political office. FOX 2 reached out to multiple sources to verify information, and ultimately heard directly from Wainwright.
On Thursday, Wainwright shared the following statement with FOX 2 Sports Director Martin Kilcoyne:
'It was an honor to be thought of in regards to the upcoming congressional election in Missouri. St. Louis has been home to me and my family for almost 2 decades and I couldn't have picked a better place to play the game that I love or raise a family.
'With 5 kids going 5 different ways everyday, Jenny and I stay incredibly busy as it is, not to mention the broadcast schedule with Fox and concert dates thrown in. Right now I would not be able to spend the time needed to serve Missouri like they deserve, but will be praying for great candidates on both sides of the aisle to run so Missourians have great choices for their future.
'I appreciate the consideration and putting all the well-written political jargon aside… That was cool for me and very encouraging that lots of people thought of me that way. Pretty neat stuff.'
Wainwright's statement did not confirm whether any political group approached him directly or attempted to 'recruit' him for political office. He made clear he would not be running for political office in the upcoming election cycle.
Wagner's seat is next up for election in November 2026.
And based on Wainwright's statement to FOX 2, it's unclear whether he aspires to run for any political office.
According to Public Policy Polling's website, the organization 'conducts surveys for politicians and political organizations, unions, consultants, and businesses' and formed in 2001 'to measure and track public opinion.'
Public Policy Polling's website does not explicitly explain its methodology behind questions asked in surveys. Though its polling methods may include hypothetical high-profile matchups as a way to measure incumbent support, name recognition or voter preferences. That could explain why Wainwright, a well-known St. Louis figure with no previous background in political offices, may have been included in polling.
FOX 2 reached out to Public Policy Polling for comment on the matter, but our requests have not been returned as of this story's publication.
NOTE: Video is from FOX 2's August 2024 coverage of Wainwright taking on MLB broadcast analyst duties, unrelated to this story.
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