Matthew McConaughey on possibly running for governor of Texas: 'I have no plans to do that right now'

On The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Wednesday night, Matthew McConaughey put to rest the rumors that have been swirling that he plans to run for governor of Texas, at least for now. Rumors began swirling that he was considering a run, and the story quickly picked up steam. McConaughey said he’d been asked a lot about a political career in his home state a lot recently, and figures he just didn’t answer one of those questions clearly enough. While he didn’t rule out a run for governor in the future, for now, it doesn’t look likely.

“Right now, no,” McConaughey answered when Colbert asked if he was considering a run. “I don’t get politics. Politics seems to be a broken business. Politics needs to redefine its purpose. And so, as I move forward in life, yes, am I gonna consider leadership roles where I can be most useful? I’d love to. I’m doing that regardless.”

Video Transcript

STEPHEN COLBERT: Mr McConaughey, will you run for governor of Texas? It's a simple answer. Yes, or hell yes. Which one is it?

[LAUGHTER]

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY: I have no plans to do that right now.

- Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Wednesday night, where he addressed rumors that had been swirling over the last 24 hours that he was considering running for governor of his home state of Texas. But, for those hoping to see McConaughey on the ballot in 2022, it's not looking good.

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY Right now, no. I don't get politics. Politics seems to be a broken business. Politics needs to redefine its purpose. And so, as I move forward in life-- And, yes, am I going to consider leadership roles where I can be most useful? Oh, I'd love to. I'm doing that regardless.

- In recent years, McConaughey has done plenty of good outside of politics, from handing out thousands of turkeys to those in need before Thanksgiving to, this year, recognizing ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help their communities through the coronavirus pandemic. And it appears that's how it will remain, at least for now.

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY Whatever leadership role I can be most useful in, and I don't know that that's politics. Right now, I don't see it as politics. I'll drink to that.