Matthew McConaughey Won't Run For Texas Governor 'At This Moment'

Austin TX

29 November, 2021

10:07 AM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Actor Matthew McConaughey announced over the weekend he does not plan to run for Texas governor "at this moment." McConaughey previously said he was considering a potential gubernatorial run in the Lone Star State. Those already running include Gov. Greg Abbott, who recently filed for re-election, Allen West and Beto O'Rourke. RELATED: Beto O' Rourke Plans Run For Texas Governor In 2022 The 52-year-old star publicly flirted with the idea of running for governor since late 2020, mentioning the possibility in several interviews. Live in Austin? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. This caused excitement in liberal circles, and particularly among Texans appalled by Abbott's role in handling February's winter storms, the power grid problems and signing the most restrictive abortion law in the U.S. "As a simple kid born in the town of Uvalde, Texas, it never occurred to me that I would one day be considered for political leadership," McConaughey said in a video he posted to Twitter on Sunday. "It's a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path that I am choosing not to take at this moment." 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/CKIYE7V6v6— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) November 29, 2021 McConaughey said his decision not to run for governor was realized after answering the question of how he could be "most useful in this life going forward." He said he spent two years studying both Texas and American politics to see if a run for office would be the answer to that question. "What have I learned? A lot. That we have some problems we need to fix," he said. "That our politics needs new purpose. That we have divides that need healing. That we need more trust in our lives. That we got to start shining a light on our shared values — the ones that cross party lines, the ones that build bridges instead of burn them. That our children are our greatest asset so, hey, let's be as good of parents as we can be." Instead of running for governor or public office, McConaughey said he will continue supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and foundations he personally believes are "leaders." "Politicians — the good one can help us get to where we need to go, yeah. But let's be clear: They can't do anything for us unless we choose to do for ourselves," he said. "Here's to the freedom to be you, and to the freedom to be me, and to our responsibility to be us." The Texas gubernatorial election will be held Nov. 8, 2022.