Topline
Matthew McConaughey said Tuesday that he doesn't support mandatory vaccination against Covid-19 in children. He also told the New York Times that he hasn't vaccinated his kids yet. This was as an actor publically considering a run for political office, something he stated he takes seriously.
Matthew McConaughey attended the Austin FC Major League Soccer Club announcement on August 23, 2019,... [+] Austin, Texas. Getty Images
The Key Facts
McConaughey stated to the Times that his children have not been vaccinated yet. He also said that he does not support mandatory vaccinations for children younger than five years old. Federal health officials state that side effects from coronavirus vaccines are very rare in children aged 5-11, who were eligible for Pfizer vaccine last week. His 90-year old mother, who is immunocompromised, has increased risk of contracting the coronavirus. According to the Times, McConaughey has some older children who are also vaccinated. McConaughey, who has suggested for months that he might run for Texas governor, didn't give any details but insisted to The Times that his future political plans were sincere. "If I'm teasing it... then I am teasing myself," McConaughey said.
Tangent
McConaughey supports Covid-19 vaccine efforts: McConaughey and other celebrities took part in a special on NBC that focused on vaccines.
Contra
McConaughey, despite his reservations about vaccine mandates, said that mask-wearing was a "quick, easy mandate" at the outbreak of the pandemic. He called it a "small inconvenience for long-term freedom."
Important Background
McConaughey, a native Texas who appeared in Dallas Buyers Club has stated to reporters multiple times that he is interested in running for Texas governor. McConaughey has not been politically active. He hasn't voted in Texas' primary elections since 2012, according to the Texas Tribune. McConaughey did not specify whether he would run for governor as a Democrat or Republican in Tuesday's interview with The Times. One poll from September still showed McConaughey winning in a two-way race against the current governor. Greg Abbott (R).
