by Academy award winner and multiple Golden Globe awards nominee and winner, Matthew McConaughey announced that he had no plans for running for the Texas State governor elections in 2022, thereby shutting doors to speculations on the actor’s involvement into serious politics. McConaughey, aged 52, made the announcement through a video message which he shared through his twitter handle although he fully acknowledged the time and patience with which he has spent the past two years sitting on and exploring the nitty gritties of state politics.
Matthew had previously opened up about his interest in running fir the state elections, while in the couch with celebrity talk-show host, Jimmy Fallon on his The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in March. He was both elated and humbled to be considered for the post and even expressed his interest in pacing himself up for a challenge.
“It’s something I’m giving consideration. Absolutely,” he said at the time. “What an honourable thing to even be able to consider.”
Much later, he revealed how sitting in at a public office and listening and learning was a humbling experience true, but at the same time quite challenging, hectic and even demanding. On The Carlos Watson Show, he went on to say, “I’m not interested in going and putting a bunch of Band-Aids on that are going to be ripped off as soon as I’m out, I’m interested in building something that can last and I’m measuring what category that is, I don’t know if that’s politics.”
Instead his brand of politics was supposed to be redefining the momentum of the current scenario and making changes that would last for a lifetime, even after the politician’s term limit. However he pulled himself out of the running for the post and instead decided to support entrepreneurs, businesses and foundations that might create pathways for “people to succeed, organizations that have a mission to serve and build trust while also generating prosperity.”
In his video message, the actor said, “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’s a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It’s also a path that I’m choosing not to take at this moment.”
In his past two years of sitting in at a public office he had learned a lot about American and Texas politics and completely feels there is scope for improvement in certain areas and certain other areas need work and demand attention. He spoke up about fighting against divisive politics and working cohesively towards a greater purpose that might unite people for a greater cause.
“I’ve learned that freedom comes with responsibility, and that great leaders serve,” he continued. “Whether a politician, a CEO, star quarterback, a mother, father, husband, wife, brother, friend, mentor or teacher, we lead by serving each other. We lead through our service. What is service? Service is taking on responsibility today, so we can have more freedom tomorrow. Service is making the better choice for you and for me.”
Now that McConaughey is out of the running, Republican candidate and current governor Greg Abbott will run for a third term in Texas in 2022 against Beto O’Rourke from the Democratic party. The latter launched his gubernatorial campaign earlier this month.
