WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 114th Congressional Baseball Game brought more than 30,000 fans to Nationals Park on Wednesday night, setting new records for attendance and fundraising.
The Republicans extended their dominance with a 13-2 win over the Democrats, securing their fifth straight victory in the annual charity matchup.
Florida Rep. Greg Steube pitched five innings, struck out seven, and earned the win for the GOP. Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman broke the game open in the fifth with a two-run double, and Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst made history as the first woman to score in the game after entering as a pinch runner in the sixth.
The game raised a record $2.75 million for Washington-area charities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, Washington Nationals Philanthropies, and the U.S. Capitol Police Memorial Fund.
???? GOP WINS 13-2!! ????
5 year winning streak for Republicans.
The annual Congressional Baseball Game raised $2.7 million tonight for 40+ local charities. pic.twitter.com/uhmxKSTK22
— Markwayne Mullin (@SenMullin) June 12, 2025
Bragging Rights
While tensions in Congress often run high, the Congressional Baseball Game continues to serve as a rare space for bipartisan camaraderie.
“We started in early March,” said Montana Rep. Troy Downing. “I leave my house at 5:15 every morning—rain or shine, we’ve been out there practicing. Hopefully it shows tonight.”
“You’ve got Republicans and Democrats, a packed crowd, and nearly $3 million raised for charity. God bless America,” Downing added.
“It’s our national pastime,” said Ohio Rep. Derek Merrin, making his game debut. “There’s plenty to argue about tomorrow in Washington, but tonight we’re here for a good cause.”
Merrin continued, “Somebody said it’s hard to hate someone when you know their kids’ names. The more we get together, the more we can work together.”
Scalise Leads Off, Inspires Teammates
Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, who survived a 2017 shooting during practice, led off for the GOP again this year.
“It’s inspiring,” said Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman. “He’s at every practice. He just keeps fighting. He deserves to be out there.”
Stutzman’s son, watching from home, had a message for his father before the game: “He said he was proud of Dad,” Stutzman said. “I’m proud of him too.”
Team Discipline and Roger Williams’ Influence
Texas Rep. Roger Williams, a former minor leaguer in the Atlanta Braves organization, once again managed the Republican team.
“Roger is a great American,” Stutzman said. “He’s brought our team to the next level with discipline and focus.”
Asked what it takes to win in this setting, Stutzman replied, “Strong pitching. Good defense. Don’t give away extra bases—just get the outs.”
Another GOP VICTORY at the annual Congressional baseball game—with more than 30,000 tickets sold and $2.8 million raised for charity! ???????? pic.twitter.com/S9oSimhzbE
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) June 12, 2025
Voices From the Democratic Dugout
Rep. Don Davis of North Carolina reflected on the game’s purpose beyond the scoreboard.
“This is about coming together,” Davis said. “Democrats and Republicans helping charitable causes. Tonight’s game alone has raised nearly $3 million. That’s huge.”
On the field, Davis and the Democratic team hoped to end the GOP’s streak. “We’ve worked hard in practice. We’re going to leave everything on the field,” he said.
When asked about fellow Air Force veteran Paul Skenes, who will pitch for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Davis lit up.
“That’s an amazing story. To see someone serve and intersect with baseball—America’s pastime—it’s inspiring.”
A Century-Old Tradition
The Congressional Baseball Game has been played since 1909, with Nationals Park serving as its home since 2008. The only cancellation came in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The largest margin of victory remains the Democrats’ 36-4 win in 1928.
Recent history, however, has been dominated by the Republicans. Since 2021, they’ve won five straight games, including blowout wins in 2022 (10-0), 2023 (16-6), and 2024 (31-11). This year’s 13-2 victory continues the trend.
By the Numbers
According to the game’s official press release, this year’s Congressional Baseball Game raised a record $2.75 million for charity and sold more than 30,000 tickets, including upper deck seating for the first time. The event was supported by over 100 sponsors and resulted in four local college scholarships being awarded.
Full rosters are available at congressionalbaseball.org/teams.
