Matthew McConaughey says he is 'choosing not to' run for Governor of Texas
Matthew McConaughey may not be running for Governor of Texas, but if he ever changes his mind, he has perfected the art of the stump speech.
McConaughey announced he is "choosing not to" run for political office "at this moment" during an impassioned three-plus-minute monologue, delivered in classic McConaughey form:
Throughout the video, the 52-year-old Oscar winner spoke about how, for the last two years, he has been trying to figure out the answer how he can be most useful in his life:
"One category of service I've been exploring is politics. I've been considering a run for Governor of Texas. I've been listening. I've been learning. I've been measuring. I've been studying Texas politics and American politics. What have I learned? A lot! That we have some problems we need to fix. That our politics needs new purpose. That we have divides that need healing. That we need more trust in our lives. That we gotta start shining a light on our shared values, the ones that cross party lines, the ones that build bridges instead of burn them. That our children are our greatest asset, so hey, let's be as good a parents as we can be.
"I've learned that freedom comes with responsibility, and that great leaders serve. Whether a politician, CEO, star quarterback, a mother, father, husband, wife, brother, friend, mentor or teacher, we lead by serving each other. We lead through our service. What is service? Service is taking on responsibility today so we can have more freedom tomorrow. Service is making the better choice for you and for me. Service is the investment we make in ourselves."
Eventually, McConaughey got to the point: "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's a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path that I'm choosing not to take at this moment."
Instead, the actor shared, the plan is to "invest the bounty I have by supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and foundations that I believe are leaders."
McConaughey has been publicly pondering a run for office throughout the year, including on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in March:
As announced two weeks ago, Beto O'Rourke is the first Democrat that will challenge Governor Greg Abbott in the Texas gubernatorial election next November.
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