The new voting law, signed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, has been heavily criticized by national Democrats and many corporate leaders, including Atlanta-based Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines.
President Joe Biden said he supported the withdrawal of the All-Star Game from Atlanta, but Democrats in Georgia are more reluctant to embrace the decision – which they see as the unfortunate outcome of state Republican party electoral reforms.
The Texas governor wrote that the state “will not attempt to host the All-Star Game or any other special MLB event”. In recent years, Major League Baseball has acquired the habit of rewarding All-Star games for teams with new or recently renovated stadiums, a trend that could put Rangers, who recently began their second season at the Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, in a short list for hosting the next Midsummer Classic. Texas last hosted the baseball All-Star Game in 2004 at Houston Astros’ Minute Maid Park. The Rangers last hosted an All-Star game in 1995.
The Rangers, which are entering their 50th season in Texas, are scheduled to host the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday.