Matthew McConaughey has still not ruled out a political career in his future.
The actor appeared on Wednesdays’ episode of the “Today” show where he spoke with host Hoda Kotb about his upcoming voice role in the new animated comedy “Sing 2.” While promoting the film, the conversation turned to politics and his decision to refrain from throwing his hat into the ring for governor of his home state of Texas after toying with the idea throughout 2020.
The host, 57, asked him flat-out if his decision not to challenge Republican Gov. Greg Abbott for the seat meant that he had turned his back on the idea of ever running for public office. Fortunately for those who hoped to see the actor bring his relaxed vibe to the world of politics, he said he hasn’t ruled it out completely.
“I’m not going to say no forever. No, I’m not going to say no forever, absolutely not,” he said. “But this last year and a half, just considering that sacred position of running for governor of the state of Texas, [it was a] very consciences and earnest year and a process I’m so happy I went through.”
The 52-year-old continued: “I became very aware of what matters to me, what I think is best for me and the most amount of people at the same time. So I’m never going to say never. Politics is a sacred spot that I have great honor for.”
In late November, the “Dazed and Confused” star shared a video on Twitter in which he announced that, after mulling over the idea for almost two years, he decided against running for governor of Texas.
“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,” he said. “It’s a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path that I am choosing not to take at this moment.”
MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY QUIETLY MAKING CALLS ABOUT POTENTIAL RUN FOR TEXAS GOVERNOR: REPORT
Speaking on the “Today” show, he elaborated further on what went into that decision to decline a campaign at this time.
“It’s time for a new chapter. Time to figure out a way in an embassy, in a category, a way I’m going to go forward living where I can be more myself. Right now, the most important thing on ym plate is fatherhood,” the dad of three told the host. “You have children and you start thinking about their future more than I did before. My family is number one for me right now.”
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Although McConaughey hasn’t completely decided against a run for office, he did note that a much more likely path for him is staying in show business.
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“I want to keep telling stories, that’s part of the reason why my category of leadership going forward I think needs to stay in the storytelling realm,” he explained. “We need a new narrative. America needs a new narrative. We need to be reminded of our old narrative. If America is a folk song, we need to b reminded of the original lyrics… but we also need to be reminded that the folk song is still being written.”