Actor Matthew McConaughey announced Sunday that he will not be running for Texas Governor in the upcoming gubernatorial race following months of speculation.
"I’ve been listening, I’ve been learning, I’ve been measuring. I’ve been studying Texas politics and American politics," McConaughey said. "What have I learned? A lot. That we have some problems we need to fix. That our politics need a new purpose. That we have divides that need healing, that we need more trust in our lives."
"As a simple kid born in the little town of Uvalde, Texas, it never occurred to me that I would one day be considered for political leadership. It is a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path that I'm choosing not to take at this moment," the actor said.
McConaughey said that he would instead be focusing his attention on the private sector, and will "invest the bounty I have to support the 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," he explained, adding, "That's the American dream."
At the time, Abbot, who is up for a third term and has already secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, said he was taking McConaughey "very seriously" as a potential challenger in the 2022 election.
It comes amid reports of growing tensions in the West Wing and may signal broader concerns among Democrats that associating with the president could backfire on their chances to secure key positions in 2022.
When asked the question again, O’Rourke reiterated that his campaign would remain focused on Texas and not national politics.
"This campaign in Texas is not going to be about Joe Biden. It’s not going to be about Donald Trump. It’s not going to be about anyone from outside of our state. This is going to be about the people of Texas and what the people of Texas want," O’Rourke said.
When asked a final time if that means he would not want the president to join him in his campaign, O’Rourke explained, "It means that I’m focused on Texas and on my fellow Texans. Those are the people most important to me. There’s no politician, there’s no other person from outside of this state who can help to change the course of this election, for better or for worse."