Just because Matthew McConaughey decided against running for governor of Texas in the 2022 election doesn't mean that he has ruled out a run at political office in the future.
In fact, the actor is refusing to say no "forever".
Speaking to Today's Willie Geist on Sunday, December 19, the actor expanded more on his decision not to run right now.
"My kids are thirteen, eleven, and eight... They are active in the adventures we take," McConaughey said. "If I did that, it would be a major sacrifice for myself, for them."
He continued: "Sacrifice comes with anything you want to do that’s ambitious. But, I just looked and said, 'To me, politics is so broken right now. To talk about certain legislation and issues in politics is almost like waxing the car when the engine needs oil.' It's like, 'No, no, no, we need to go in and fix the engine.'"
McConaughey added that the "most important thing" in his life right now is being a father and supporting his family, but he's not ruling out different kinds of leadership.
"I feel like I have some leadership qualities and thoughts to share that are not just good for me, but can be good for the most amount of people," he told Willie.
In an interview earlier this month, the Oscar-winning actor told Today Show: "I'm not going to say no forever, absolutely not."
He went on: "But this last year and a half, just considering that sacred position of running for governor of the state of Texas, it was a very conscientious and earnest year, and a process I’m so happy I went through because I became very aware of what matters to me, what I think is best for me and the most of amount of people at the same time."
McConaughey had mentioned his interest in running for governor of his home state for months before announcing in late November that he would not be pursuing office.
"It was a wonderful process, so I’m not going to say never," McConaughey added. "Politics is a sacred spot that I have great honor for."