In head-to-head matchups, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott leads Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke in next year’s governor’s race in the Lone Star State. But actor and Texas native Matthew McConaughey, who is reportedly weighing a bid for governor, leads them both, according to a Dallas Morning News-University of Texas at Tyler poll released Sunday. But in a three-way race, voters prefer Abbott.

The poll found that in a race between Abbott and O’Rourke, the governor led 45%-39%. But a substantial 22% said they want someone else to be governor.

TABLES TURNED IN MICHIGAN COVID-19 WARS BETWEEN WHITMER AND GOP LAWMAKERS

McConaughey has publicly expressed interest in the race, even reportedly calling influential people in Texas political circles, including centrist GOP donors. He has not declared his candidacy.

The poll found that in a hypothetical matchup between McConaughey and Abbott, the actor led the incumbent governor 43% to 35%. Between McConaughey and O’Rourke, the actor led 49% to 27%.

However, neither scenario is likely, as Abbott is seeking reelection and it is unclear which political party, if any, McConaughey would enter should he choose to run. In a three-way race, most voters would prefer Abbott at 37%, followed by McConaughey at 27% and O’Rourke at 26%.

Mark Owens, UT-Tyler political scientist and the poll’s director, told the Dallas Morning News, “It appears that if Matthew McConaughey chooses to enter the race before Dec. 13, he will be more on par with Beto O’Rourke than Governor Abbott.”

“Even if McConaughey delays a start in public service, both Abbott and O’Rourke have become the face of the two political parties in Texas,” Owens said.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

McConaughey said last month he is not running “until I am.”

“It’s got to be personal for me, but it’s also got to be the most useful thing for the most amount of people,” he said.

O’Rourke ran for Senate unsuccessfully against Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018 and ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020 before ultimately ending his campaign and endorsing President Joe Biden.

Original Location: Matthew McConaughey beats Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke head-to-head: Poll

Washington Examiner Videos