A brand new poll has Gov. Greg Abbott losing to a potential challenger in a hypothetical race for governor in 2022.
According to a new poll from UT Tyler and the Dallas Morning News, Abbott trails actor Matthew McConaughey in a potential match up for governor in 2022, with McConaughey holding the support of 44 percent of Texans versus 35 percent for Abbott. 21 percent of respondents said they would vote for someone else, including 29 percent of independents, 23 percent of Democrats, and 11 percent of Republicans.
McConaughey’s nine point lead over Abbott comes as the Dallas Buyers Club and True Detective actor has spent months teasing a potential bid for governor. Some pundits have casts doubts on whether McConaughey is truly considering a run for office, but a May story from Politico reported that McConaughey had reportedly been making calls around the state to gauge interest for such a campaign.
Aside from trailing McConaughey, Abbott did well in the poll when put up against his challengers. The poll found him leading Democrat Beto O’Rourke, 42-37%. Abbott also leads his primary challengers, former State Sen. Don Huffines and former U.S. Rep. Allen West, by 55 points and 45 points, respectively.
Candidates have until December to declare their campaigns for office for the 2022 elections in Texas.