Anthony Behar

Matthew McConaughey open to becoming the governor of Texas

Despite a decades-long acting career in A-list Hollywood, Matthew McConaughey is best known for his role as Proud Texan. When he's not on movie sets, he's probably at a Texas Longhorns game or supporting the Austin FC Major League Soccer team club for which he is an investing partner.

In a new interview out Thursday, the Oscar winner hinted at the possibility of making his pro-Texas efforts more formal. Crime Stop Houston's The Balanced Voice podcast welcomed McConaughey for its latest episode, and host Rania Mankarious asked the 51-year-old if he would consider running for governor of Texas.

"It's a true consideration," McConaughey responded. Mankarious' curiosity was piqued after McConaughey explained the many ways he is making a mark on the next generation, including as a professor at his beloved University of Texas, founder of his Just Keep Livin' Foundation and father of three.

McConaughey began the podcast discussing how he rode out last month's tragic and record-setting winter storm as well as what he plans to do to help those affected. He and his family lost power and water, and his home "had some busted pipes," but knows millions of people around the state had it much worse.

"Camila and I decided to put a benefit together," he said, referencing his wife. "It's called We're Texas, and it's all Texas artists. I'm gonna host the show—I'm gonna DJ the show. I've called over 15 Texas artists and musicians, and everybody within the first 30 seconds of my ask are like, 'Whatever you want me to do, yes.' ... Different Texas companies and individuals are stepping up in a big way to donate and get us off the ground."

McConaughey announced the benefit in late February. In a video posted to Twitter, he looks and sounds like a veteran politician:

It doesn't hurt that McConaughey is already known for his soothing ability to orate—"alright, alright, alright!"—from narrating on the Calm app to his viral Oscar acceptance speech any pop culture moment in between.

McConaughey has been everywhere in the press lately following the October release of his journal-based memoir Greenlights, which debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times' non-fiction bestseller list.

For more McConaughey, watch the full Balanced Voice episode below.

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