McConaughey decides against running for Texas governor

Actor Matthew McConaughey announced Sunday night he won’t run for governor of Texas, even though he was leading in the polls.

The 52-year-old McConaughey faced a Dec. 13 deadline to file for the race but said in a Twitter video the timing wasn’t right.

“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,” McConaughey said. “It’s a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path that I am choosing not to take at this moment.”

"What have I learned? A lot,” he added. “That we have some problems we need to fix. That our politics needs new purpose. That we have divides that need healing," he said.

McConaughey said he plans to continue supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and “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 -- that's the American dream," he said. "Politicians, the good ones, can help us get to where we need to go ... but let's be clear, they can't do anything for us unless we choose to do for ourselves."

His decision leaves Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who is seeking a third term, and Democratic former congressman Beto O'Rourke as the early frontrunners.