The tiny hamlet of Mount Vernon, Texas, population 2,500, is going to need a bigger city hall after electing 7ft2in former NBA star Greg Ostertag as its new mayor. The former Utah Jazz center likely becomes the tallest elected official in US history, surpassing the previous Guinness World Record holder, 6ft11in North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread.
Ostertag's Victory and Background
Ostertag, best known for battling Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson in the post during the late 1990s and early 2000s, won the nonpartisan race against incumbent Brad Hyman. He told the Kansas City Star that his wife plans to contact Guinness World Records after he is sworn in. Ostertag, a resident of Mount Vernon for 11 years, owns farmland and a sports bar, Tag's Hometown Bar and Grill. He said residents urged him to run, hoping to bring excitement back to the town.
Other NBA Centers in Politics
Ostertag is not alone among NBA centers from his era entering politics. Former Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks center Chris Dudley, 6ft11in, is running for governor of Oregon as a Republican. Dudley, a former Yale star, previously came within two points of winning the governorship in 2010. He faces an uphill battle in left-leaning Oregon but has pledged to 'stand tall' for Oregonians. Sportsbooks have even set odds comparing his primary vote share to his 45.8 career free-throw percentage.
The primary election takes place on May 19. If Dudley wins, he will face incumbent Democratic Governor Tina Kotek in the general election.
