Matthew McConaughey hints at possible political future running for office
Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey recently appeared on a panel alongside bipartisan leaders to discuss how to promote civility in politics.
At the National Governors Association 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Dazed and Confused actor told Democrat New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy that he is still in the learning process regarding a future in political office.
“Yes. I have thought about running for office, getting into this category,” McConaughey told the governor. “I’m on a learning tour and have been for probably the last six years of understanding what this category means,” he said, per Politico. “Do I have the instincts and intellect that it would be a good fit for me and I would be a good for it. You know, would I be useful?”
Discussing the learning curve that comes with such a decision, he addressed one of Murphy’s comments about drinking the actor’s tequila. “I’m still on that learning tour, and, you know, days like this. I’m learning a lot,” he said. “Last night, I learned a lot. I learned a lot from you last night. Through those tequila, through that tequila, sir.”
When the conversation turned to captivating supporters online, McConaughey shed some light on the ways politics often infiltrate Hollywood. He explained: “My industry has to watch its tongue out of the gate because it’s coming from the left.”
Adding: “We have to open that conversation with our opening statements and not invalidate a moderate or conservative at the gate, which we’re guilty of, to an extent.”
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, a Democrat, then encouraged the actor to run for office one day, but urged him to not “fall into the trap” of being “just one thing” like Republican or Democrat. Instead, he told McConaughey he is “warm and likeable” and to “be you, because that might be something special for all of us”.
McConaughey hinted at running for Texas Governor back in 2020 after he described politics as a “broken business” that needed to “redefine its purpose.” He also said “I have some things to teach and share”, but remains unclear on what his specific role would be.
While the actor has yet to reveal precisely where on the political spectrum he sits, some of his previous comments about gun control and criticisms about fellow actors veering too far left suggest a somewhat centralist perspective. “The two sides got to talk,” he previously commented, discussing the Republicans and the Democrats’ shortcomings. “Hey, where can we reach across the aisle here? Find a compromise for the betterment of all of us?”
McConaughey has yet to confirm whether he will one day officially run for office.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.