Cruz: McConaughey would be a 'formidable' candidate for Texas governor

Sen. Ted Cruz said Thursday that actor Matthew McConaughey would be a "formidable candidate" for Texas governor, something the Academy Award winner has said is a "true consideration" for him.

McConaughey, a Texas native and Austin resident known for his roles in "Dazed and Confused" and "Dallas Buyers Club," has been in touch with Texans in infleuntial political circles about a potential bid to unseat Gov. Greg Abbott. Even as he has publicly discussed his interest in a gubernatorial bid, the actor has been vague about his political leanings and it is unclear which party he would align with or if he would run as an independent.

Cruz (R-Texas), a self-described “big fan” of Abbot, said in an interview on conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt’s show on Thursday that he hopes McConaughey decides not to run. While Abbott is a “close friend and mentor” of Cruz’s, the senator said he knows McConaughey a little bit and likes him personally.

“He's a very charming, very affable guy,” Cruz said. “He's a movie star, and a good-looking, charming, affable movie star can be a really formidable candidate on the ballot. And I hope that doesn't happen, but you know what? He's going to have to make his own decision whether he's going to run or not,” he added.

Republicans have maintained a stranglehold on the governor's mansion in Austin since Democrat Ann Richards was defeated in 1994 by George W. Bush. No Democrat has held statewide office in Texas since 1998.