Curt Schilling Says He Won't Run for Congress in 2020 and Blames Backlash Towards Family

Former MLB pitcher Curt Schilling hinted at making a run for an Arizona congressional seat last month (oh, awesome!).

To the chagrin of many, it seems those plans are no longer on the table.

During an appearance on 98.7 FM Arizona Sports Station on Tuesday, Schilling said that he is no longer pursuing a run for Congress in 2020. Reportedly, the reason stems from the backlash his wife and kids have received.

"The things that have been said and done to my wife and kids since I announced interest in running are not worth it," Schilling said, via Kevin Stone of KTAR News 92.3.

This isn't the first time Schilling has backed off a political campaign. Back in 2018, the former MLB pitcher hinted at running for Congress against Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts, but didn't pursue it.

His time as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Philadelphia Phillies has taken a backseat in the Schilling narrative due to his outspoken behavior as of late.

In 2015, Schilling shared a meme on his Twitter account which compared Muslims to Nazis. In 2016, Schilling shared yet another meme, this time aimed at transgender rights. That same year, Schilling commented, "Ok, so much awesome here," on a picture of a shirt suggesting journalists should be hanged.

Mr. Schilling is reportedly interested in interviewing for the Phillies managerial opening, but those odds look as low as his chances of holding a congressional seat.