Since last spring, many Texans have been guessing whether movie star Matthew McConaughey will run for the governor position in Texas. The actor has been toying with the idea but has remained mum regarding his plans.
Los Angeles Times reported that McConaughey is seen as a potential lock for Democrats. He is also popular among Texans, so if he wins, it will be the first win of the Democrats in the state since 1994. However, it remains unknown what McConaughey will choose if he decides to run.
Poll Favors McConaughey
In a poll by the Dallas Morning News and University of Texas at Tyler, those who answered favored McConaughey over current Republican Governor Greg Abbott. Per the poll, 44 percent said they favored McConaughey, while 35 percent favored Abbott. The rest of the survey takers said they would choose another candidate.
People In Politics Comment On Possible Run
Gilberto Hinojosa, the chair of the Texas Democratic Party, said that McConaughey appears to be simply enjoying the publicity that came with the rumors he will run for governor in Texas. However, Hinojosa said it does not work that way, and McConaughey has to pick a party. Hinojosa added that nobody knows what McConaughey stands for.
Los Angeles Times also said that Jim Henson, who directs the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, did not conduct a poll about the actor yet. The reason is that he is deeply skeptical regarding the actor’s possible run. Henson also told Los Angeles Times he is not interested in McConaughey unless he fully commits.
Other Candidates Running For Governor Seat
The deadline for the filing of the March 1 primary is Dec. 14, and Abbott will run for reelection for a third term. Progressive Democrat Robert “Beto” O’Rourke of El Paso might be running for governor, too. He used to be a Texas congressman and a candidate for the presidency and the Senate. A spokesperson for O’Rourke, David Wysong, added that no decision has been made yet, but O’Rourke has been making and receiving calls with people from all over Texas.
McConaughey Comments On Politics
Los Angeles Times noted that McConaughey commented on politics while he talked on Swisher’s “Sway” podcast. Los Angeles Times quoted McConaughey saying, “Is that a place to make real change, or is it a place where, hey, right now, it’s a fixed game?” During the podcast, McConaughey was pressed about what he supports. The actor said he supports mask mandates, and he was troubled about the abortion ban.
