Matthew McConaughey is a Hollywood superstar who has indicated that he’s still not sure if he will run for Texas governor. This statement comes just three weeks from the deadline.
McConaughey lives in Austin and has teased for months a bid to unseat Republican Gregg Abbott. Pollsters even predicted that McConaughey would beat Abbott this week in an open head-to-head race.
But, actor and philanthropist, 52, would need to face stiff competition from Democrat Beto Obama. It is not clear if O’Rourke would be running as a red candidate or a blue.
The Hollywood Reporter asked the father of three, a married dad, Tuesday if he could give an honest answer about whether or not he planned to run. The deadline was December 13.
McConaughey said, “It is a new thing.” Every situation is important to me. I like to prepare for everything. I am not until I am — OK? This is something that I have been thinking about for over 20 years. I do know what I want, but I am just waiting to find out my answer. No. No. The question is not “Hay, are you sure I could win?” No. Let’s look at what Texas politics looks like. Discuss a policy declaration.
“I am a storyteller.” I’m a CEO. However, being the CEO of a country? What are my strengths as a leader of a state? It takes great courage to make a decision. It’s exactly what I’ve done, and there is no hint of it. You’ll see me doing my research, and I’ll let you know in a few days.
Matthew McConaughey participates in a Q&A after a special screening of his new film The Gentlemen at Hogg Memorial Auditorium at The University of Texas at Austin on January 21, 2020 in Austin, Texas
Greg Abbott of Texas attended a press conference in Austin at the Capitol on June 8,
Democrat Beto O’Rourke attended the ‘Texans Rally For Our Voting Rights’ at the Texas Capitol Building, Austin on May 8, 2021.
It comes after a new poll from the University of Texas and Dallas Morning News found that McConaughey could beat either Abbott or O’Rourke – albeit only in head-to-head contests.
Respondents were asked whether they preferred McConaughey or Abbott in a hypothetical matchup. The results ranged from 43 to 35 percent.
McConaughey won 49 to 27 percent of the questions about O’Rourke and McConaughey.
In a race that had all three candidates, Abbott was the preferred choice of the majority, with 37 percent backing McConaughey’s 27 per cent and O’Rourke’s 27.5 percent.
McConaughey was only 40 percent of those who said that they would support McConaughey running for Governor. 33 percent expressed opposition, and the rest stated it did not matter.
McConaughey hails from deep Texas, and was brought up in a religious household.
AFP spoke to him this month that ‘each party is claiming it’s democracy’ and can’t really tell you about what they are all about.
He stated that while you can go “left” sometimes, it is better to follow the lead of the “right.” People on both the right and left are different in their abilities for each job.
‘Look, it’s been discussed. McConaughey indicated that it is a possibility to run for governor.
I would consider myself an aggressively centrist. It’s not because it’s the land of compromise and gray. It’s an exciting space. This is the place of outlaws.
McConaughey must file before the December 13 deadline if he does decide to run in for the top job of Lone Star State.
When asked if he’s taken important early steps like fundraising or hiring staff, he replies with the stock phrase: “I’m not until I’m.”
This week’s poll showed that actor Matthew McConaughey may defeat incumbent Republican Greg Abbott and Democrat hopeful Beto Olson for Texas governor
He added, “It is something I am giving great thought to…there are some incredible sacrifices for an awesome position,”
O’Rourke’s recent announcement, that he intends to run for the governor’s seat in Ohio, kicks off a third campaign in consecutive election cycles.
As a party sensation, he entered the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary as an overnight success. He then quit eight months later because of lackluster money and fanfare. His bid to be elected US Senator in 2028 was defeated by Ted Cruz, an incumbent Republican.
It won’t be easy. O’Rourke spoke to The Associated Press in advance of the announcement. ‘I do believe, very strongly, from listening to people in this state that they´re very unhappy with the direction that Greg Abbott has taken Texas.’
Republican Abbott seeks a third term. Abbott has been a strong national leader by his strong position on border security and abortion issues.
Texas has not had a Democratic governor elected since Ann Richards, 1990. Redistricting was done in October to improve the Republican standing in suburban areas that are thriving and have been moving away from their party.