Matthew McConaughey Speaks Candidly About Potential Texas Governor Run
The question keeps popping up: will Matthew McConaughey run for Texas Governor?
And this week the actor has spoken about his plans.
Let's take a look at this ongoing story.
In 2021, there was a lot of speculation over who would run against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Before Beto O'Rourke won the Democrat nomination, many Texans hoped Texan actor Matthew McConaughey would run.
Initially, there appeared there was interest from McConaughey, who announced on the Ellen Show:
(It's) “something I’m trying to look in the eye and give honest consideration. Where am I most useful to the most amount of people and to myself and my family?” Matthew McConaughey
One poll released by The Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler showed that while Abbott was the preferred choice of Governor by 39% of Texans, McConaughey was just behind at 38%. This was despite McConaughey not entering the race.
This was backed by another Quinnipiac University poll of registered voters in Texas, which had similar results. In that poll, 41 percent of voters say they want to see McConaughey run.
There was some concern from prominent Texan Republicans, including Senator Ted Cruz. In a chat with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Cruz said McConaughey would pose a "formidable" challenge to unseat Abbott and hoped he wouldn't run.
After months of speculation, in November 2021, he officially announced that he wouldn't run.
“As a simple kid born in the little town of Uvalde, Texas, it never occurred to me that I would one day be considered for political leadership. It is a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path I am choosing not to take at this moment.” Matthew McConaughey
Instead of running for Texas Gov, McConaughey said he would be "supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and foundations that I've believe are leaders, establishments that I believe are creating pathways for people to succeed in life."
Despite not running, McConaughey has continued speaking out about issues concerning Texans- particularly the tragic incident in his hometown. He has also raised funds for numerous Texan causes, including a "We're Texas" fundraiser for victims of Winter Storm Uri.
The latest update
On the Smartless Podcast aired this week, McConaughey was again asked the question.
"It's not something I want to visit now. I'm raising three children right now and it's a great adventure doing that. I want to see that through. My only thing I ever knew I wanted to be was a dad...I have to measure, Where can I be most useful? And I want to enjoy myself. Hard work doesn't scare me but I'm an artist. I'm a storyteller. I'm a folksinger. Now, are those parts of me that could be useful in a political position of leadership to be the CEO of a state or country? Maybe. But raising my three kids right now is a hard but fair fight. Going into politics right now? Is a hard and unfair fight"
When podcast host Jason Bateman stated he thought McConaughey would run in 8 years, McConaughey didn't disagree.
So, I guess there is still a chance.
Your thoughts
Would you like McConaughey to run for Texas Governor? Would he have been a better option than Beto to run against Abbott? Who would you vote for?
Please leave a comment below with your thoughts and share this article with others so they can join the conversation.
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