Actor Matthew McConaughey continued to hint at a possible run for political office as he addressed a room full of governors on Friday. He joked about sharing his tequila with one of them the night before and received advice from another governor to stay true to himself if he ever decides to run.
It remains unknown whether the star, known for his roles in “Dazed and Confused,” “A Time to Kill,” and “True Detective,” would run as a Democrat or Republican, and for which office. McConaughey has kept his political affiliation vague and did not reveal his intentions at the National Governors Association meeting.
During a conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, McConaughey discussed his ongoing “learning tour” over the past six years. He pondered whether he has the qualities and skills necessary to make a positive impact in politics. He expressed his gratitude to Murphy for the insights gained from their tequila-fueled discussion the previous night.
McConaughey participated in a panel discussion with Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, focusing on promoting civility in politics. The discussion touched on the need for politicians to grab attention and the impact of extreme rhetoric in both politics and Hollywood.
Reflecting on the current state of politics, McConaughey emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue and the need to avoid dismissing opposing viewpoints. He acknowledged the influence of extreme polarization in both the political arena and the entertainment industry.
In 2022, McConaughey hinted at a potential run for governor in his home state of Texas. He has also been vocal about gun control issues, advocating for legislative measures to strengthen background checks and raise the minimum age for purchasing certain firearms.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, a Democrat, encouraged McConaughey to consider a future political run and advised him to remain authentic and true to himself amidst pressure to conform to a specific party ideology.