The Scoop

Matthew McConaughey Is Putting Out Feelers For Texas Governorship

By • May 19, 2021 1:07 pm

Actor Matthew McConaughey is reportedly serious about running for governor of Texas and has been calling influential people to discuss his candidacy.

A Politico report said the Oscar winner has been “quietly making calls to prominent people in Texas political circles, including a deep-pocketed moderate Republican and energy CEO, to gauge their views on the race and discuss seriously throwing his hat in the ring.”

It added that political strategists in Texas do not see McConaughey’s “viable path forward” to unseat Governor Greg Abbott considering the business community’s overwhelming support for the Republican governor. 

A gubernatorial run would also compromise the actor’s status as a cultural icon to become a political figure, it added.

“I’m a little more surprised that people aren’t taking him more seriously, honestly,” said Austin-based GOP strategist Brendan Steinhauser. 

“Celebrity in this country counts for a lot … it’s not like some C-list actor no one likes. He has an appeal.”

As Howard Stern recently pointed out, the public’s view of McConaughey would shift radically if he disclosed his political platform and views, all of which he has been reluctant to disclose just yet.

“Once you run for office, you actually have to give an opinion,” Stern said of McConaughey’s political ambitions, along with another celebrity Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — who have also publicly expressed his desire to run for public office one day.

Stern cautioned against it, however, telling NY Daily News that from being vague about issues — they have to take a stand.  “This is “what these guys don’t understand.”

McConaughey, for instance, has yet to declare which political party he will run for governor under.

“The question is: Would he run as a Republican? A Democrat? Independent? And where is he on the political scale? He says he has a funny phrase about being a hardcore centrist, but what party would he run under?” long-term GOP strategist Karl Rove commented.

If McConaughey runs as a third-party candidate, he would most likely alienate Democrats who are eager to turn Texas blue. Reports noted that Governor Rick Perry won the state handily in 2006 after two independents divided the vote, according to long-time Democratic strategist Paul Begala.

“The problem with running as an independent is we have seen this movie before,” said Begala. “Texas doesn’t need a third party, Matthew! We need a second party.”

McConaughey hits Abbott

McConaughey has been publicly criticizing Governor Abbott. In March, the actor said he was “dumbfounded” by the decision to repeal the state’s mask law.

“My reaction to that is, I was a little dumbfounded by the decision,” he told CBS. “I understand ‘go back to work.’ What I did not understand was ‘pull the mask mandate.’”

“It’s not the mask we’re afraid of, c’mon. It’s the word ‘mandate.’ Let’s not let the word ‘mandate’ get in the way of practical use of this little tool called a mask. It’s just a small inconvenience today for more freedom tomorrow,” McConaughey added.

McConaughey has a strong chance of winning the governorship of Texas, with a double-digit lead over Abbott based on a recent poll. That could change, however, once he announces his political agenda.

Meanwhile, the chair of the Texas Democratic Party said it would “welcome” McConaughey should the actor pursue a gubernatorial run in the Lone Star state.

Steeve Strange

Steeve is the CEO & Co-Founder of The Scoop.
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