- Actor Matthew McConaughey said he decided not to run for Texas governor.
- The Oscar-winning actor has been publicly contemplating a run.
- Beto O'Rourke is challenging incumbent Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in the 2022 race.
Actor Matthew McConaughey announced Sunday he won't be running for governor of Texas in 2022.
"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," McConaughey said in a video shared on Twitter. "It is also a path that I am choosing not to take at this moment."
He said he has been studying Texas and national politics and learned a lot, including "that we got to start shining a light on our shared values, the ones that cross party lines, the ones that build bridges instead of burn them."
McConaughey also said he would continue to support entrepreneurs, businesses, and foundations that he believes prop up the American dream.
"Politicians, the good ones, can help us get to where we need to go," he said. "But let's be clear, they can't do anything for us unless we choose to do for ourselves."
—Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) November 29, 2021
The Oscar-winning actor said earlier this year he was seriously considering a run for governor, though he has not been specific about his political stances or under what party he would've run.
Former congressman Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat, announced earlier this month he is running against incumbent Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican.