There’s been a great deal of “will he or won’t he” leading up to the Dec. 13 deadline to file, but despite recent polls showing a great deal of support for his candidacy, actor and Austin resident Matthew McConaughey in a video message posted to social media Sunday evening announced he will not run for governor of Texas.

What You Need To Know

  • Actor and Austin resident Matthew McConaughy in a video message shared on social media Sunday evening said he will not run for governor of Texas in 2022

  • Instead, McConaughey said, he will continue to focus on his philanthropic efforts, supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and foundations that are “creating pathways for people to succeed”

  • McConaughey has no background in politics but, according to a recent poll, was favored over Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as well as Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke

  • Abbott, a Republican who is seeking a third term, will face primary challenges from former Texas GOP Chairman Allen West and former Texas state Sen. Don Huffines

“As a simple kid born in the little town of Uvalde, Texas, it never occurred to me that one day I would be considered for political leadership,” McConaughey said. “It’s a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path I am choosing not to take at this moment.”

“What I’m gonna do: I’m going to continue to work and invest the bounty I have by supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and foundations that I believe are leaders, establishments that I believe are creating pathways for people to succeed in life, organizations that have a mission to serve and build trust, while also generating prosperity. That’s the American Dream,” McConaughey continued. “Politicians? Well, the good one can help us get to where we need to go, yeah. But let’s be clear, they can’t do anything for us unless we choose to do for ourselves.”

McConaughey, who has no experience in politics, never indicated which primary he would take part in were he to run. Still, according to the results of a recent poll by the Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler, voters favored McConaughey over Republican Gov. Greg Abbott by 8 points and McConaughey over Democratic candidate Beto O’Rourke by more than 20 points.

In a three-way race, however, Abbott had the edge by 37% to 27% over McConaughey. McConaughey still edged O’Rourke by a point in that scenario.

Abbott filed for re-election last Tuesday. Also filing last Tuesday was former Florida congressman and former Texas GOP Chairman Allen West.

O'Rourke raised $2 million in the first 24 hours after he announced his campaign earlier in November, a record for a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, per his campaign.

Abbott is seeking a third term and in addition to West will face a primary challenge from former Texas state Sen. Don Huffines.