Matthew McConaughey has a potential political ally in former Sen. Joe Manchin, who says he’d throw his support behind the Oscar-winning actor if he decided to pursue a future in politics.
Manchin, who left the Democratic Party to become an independent, praised McConaughey’s leadership potential after the “Dallas Buyers Club” star released a six-minute video urging Americans to give independent candidates a serious look ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Asked by NewsNation’s Blake Burman whether McConaughey could have a future in politics, Manchin said the actor could serve “absolutely at the highest level.”
“He has the ability. He’s smart, he’s charismatic, he’s able to communicate… He has all the qualities and all the ingredients that it takes to bring this country together,” Manchin said.
Independent counts. pic.twitter.com/N9MkKlBuIR
— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) October 18, 2026
The former West Virginia senator went even further when asked about McConaughey potentially entering public office.
“Now, if that’s where he wishes to go or wherever, I’d be 1000% behind him,” Manchin added.
The endorsement of McConaughey’s political potential came as speculation resurfaced about whether the 56-year-old actor might eventually mount an independent presidential campaign in 2028.
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Manchin also revealed that McConaughey’s video had caught him by surprise. He told NewsNation he “had no idea” the actor was planning to release it, adding that McConaughey had reached his own conclusions about the country’s political system.
“He did what he did because he came to that conclusion in his heart; it was the right thing to do for our country,” Manchin explained.
McConaughey had specifically mentioned Manchin in his video, pointing to the former senator’s experience in a closely divided Congress as an example of the influence independent lawmakers could wield.
“Joe Manchin knows the math — lived it in a 50-50 Senate. One independent mind became the deciding vote and took all the fire for it alone,” McConaughey said.
“Now imagine that same power held by three or four together, owned by no party at all.”
Manchin launched the Independent Leadership Council earlier this year to recruit and support independent political candidates, giving the two men’s remarks a connection beyond their shared dissatisfaction with the two-party system.
McConaughey has considered entering politics before. He explored a potential campaign for Texas governor in 2021 but ultimately decided against running.
The following year, he entertained the possibility of a future presidential campaign, suggesting that political office might someday become a path that “chose him” rather than something he actively pursued. He also attended a National Governors Association meeting in July 2024, describing the visit as part of a “learning tour.”
His latest video prompted fresh speculation about a possible independent run in 2028.
Politico journalist Adam Wren said the actor’s public support for independent candidates had led some observers to wonder whether he was laying the groundwork for his own campaign.
Conservative political influencer Link Lauren was less convinced that a presidential bid would work out for McConaughey.
“He will get eaten alive if he runs for president. He can’t take the heat,” Lauren warned.
McConaughey has not announced a campaign, and he insisted that Sunday’s video was not intended to endorse any political candidate or party.
“I am not here today to endorse a candidate or a party,” he said. “I am here endorsing two things: fairness and reality.”
The “Interstellar” star challenged the argument that voting for candidates outside the two major parties amounts to throwing away a ballot.
“They’ve been telling us for years that an independent vote is a wasted vote,” McConaughey said. “Well, a great question for our times is, has that unwasted vote been working out for you?”
The actor argued that independent voters deserve a stronger voice in Washington, pointing to the number of Americans who identify as politically independent.
A 2025 Gallup poll found that 45% of U.S. adults identified as independents, compared with 27% each who identified as Democrats or Republicans. Most of those independents still leaned toward one of the two major parties, however, while 10% of adults identified as independents without a party preference.
McConaughey suggested that electing three to five independent lawmakers could change the balance of power in a closely divided Congress, forcing Republicans and Democrats to seek support outside their respective parties.
“Nothing passes without them,” he argued. “Every bill has to come through the middle, which means both parties would finally have to compete for the middle. Most of us.”
The actor also rejected the idea that being independent meant refusing to take a political position.
“Independent does not mean you’re middle of the road. Independent is the original road,” he said. “Before there was ever a Republican or Democrat, there was an American.”
His appeal nevertheless drew criticism from social media users concerned about encouraging independent voting before the midterm elections.
“This is a ridiculous, privileged perspective from someone with nothing to lose either way,” one Instagram commenter wrote, arguing that McConaughey was overlooking the consequences of the upcoming election.
Another commenter called the message irresponsible and invoked Willie Nelson, who had endorsed Texas state Rep. James Talarico for the U.S. Senate.
Musician Howi Spangler also challenged the timing of McConaughey’s remarks, arguing that voters should focus on opposing President Donald Trump’s administration.
Former “The Hills” star Spencer Pratt rejected the actor’s premise for a different reason.
“Republicans vs dems isn’t the issue, man. It’s people who hate America vs people who love it…that’s what counts,” Pratt wrote.
“A 3rd party doesn’t fix that. There is no political solution for cultural rot. Stop pretending.”
Despite the criticism and renewed attention surrounding his political future, McConaughey stopped short of revealing any plans to seek office.
Instead, he urged Americans to study their ballots and consider whether independent candidates represented their beliefs.
“America’s brand was never R or D,” McConaughey concluded. “It’s independent. Enjoy yours. Just keep living.”