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Matthew McConaughey explains why he's staying out of politics 'at this point' in his life

Matthew McConaughey is further explaining his decision to not run for governor of Texas – but politics may not be completely off the table.

During an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" Tuesday, the actor pointed to his family as another reason for not pursuing the role.

"At this point in my life with the things I've got – a 13-year-old, an 11-year-old, an 8-year-old – the life I'm living right now, the storytelling I want to keep doing, it's not the category for me at this point in my life," he said.

McConaughey shares three children with his wife, Camila Alves.

When the late-night host pressed if he was still not ruling out a future in politics, McConaughey said, "I'm not until I am."

"Someone told me that was a very McConaughey answer," he joked.

In November, McConaughey ended months of speculation on his possible run for Texas governor in a three-minute video on Twitter and Instagram saying he had seriously considered a run, but came out against it. "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 in the video. "It's a humbling and inspiring path to ponder. It is also a path I'm choosing not to take at this moment."

Instead, the "Dallas Buyers Club" actor shared that he will focus his energy and resources on other endeavors.

"I’m going to continue to work and invest the bounty I have by supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and foundations that I believe are creating pathways for people to succeed in life," he added. "Organizations that have a mission to serve and build trust while also generating prosperity. That’s the American dream."

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Before announcing he would not run in the video, where he sat in front of an American flag, he shared that he had been studying Texas and American politics.

"What have a learned? A lot. That we have some problems we need to fix. That our politics needs new purpose. That we have divides that need healing. That we need more trust in our lives. That we've 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," he said.

Some fans applauded his message.

"McConaughey for President 2024," one responded.

"Please help make it alright alright alright again," commented another, referring to one the actor's famous catchphrases.

Earlier this month, Beto O'Rourke announced he's running for Texas governor, ending months of speculation with a two-minute videotaped message. He is the first high-profile Democrat to announce his intention to run for the seat currently filled by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Filing for the Democratic and Republican primaries closes Dec. 15. Former Texas GOP Chairman Allen West and former state Sen. Don Huffines are the best-known Republican challengers to Abbott.

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In this file photo taken on March 4, 2018 Actor Matthew McConaughey arrives for the 90th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California.
In this file photo taken on March 4, 2018 Actor Matthew McConaughey arrives for the 90th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California.

In March, McConaughey said he would "be a fool not to consider" a run for Texas governor.

"I am considering, as I said I’d be a fool not to, to consider the honor to go into the position of politics, as the governor of Texas," McConaughey told the Austin American-Statesman, part of the USA TODAY network. "But I honestly have to ask myself, 'How can I be most useful?' And maybe that’s as a free agent."

At the time, McConaughey was clear that he wouldn't be running for office.

"I would say, as far as running, I’m not until I am. So my decision hasn’t changed because I’m still not."

Since then, the 52-year-old has continued to speak on his interest in politics, but admitted he wouldn't likely completely pivot to politics during an appearance in a September episode of the "Set it Straight: Myths and Legends" podcast.

"I have to remain an artist. I’ve earned my right to enjoy that Saturday night part of life, that music part of life," he said. "It has to have music to it. I’m very good at being diligent, Monday morning, practical, structure, I’m all of that but I’ve got to continue to be an artist."

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As for which ticket he would be on if he did ever run for office is unclear. He has previously said he is neither Republican or Democrat and describes his party affiliation as "aggressively centric."

"Look, I’m a 'Meet You in the Middle' man. When I say 'aggressively centric,' that sometimes gets parceled over there with 'Oh, that’s a shade of grey, a compromise,' " he told the Statesman.

In the meantime, McConaughey has plenty on his plate to keep himself busy.

The actor returns as Buster Moon in the animated sequel "Sing 2," arriving Dec. 22. He may also be tapped to star as lawyer Jake Brigance (again) in a film adaptation to the "sort of" sequel to the 1996 adaptation of John Grisham's "A Time to Kill." According to reports from Variety and Deadline in March, McConaughey is slated for the HBO adaptation of the book.

Contributing: Elise Brisco, USA TODAY; John C. Moritz and Madlin Mekelburgm Austin American-Statesman

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Matthew McConaughey explains political goals on Jimmy Fallon