Hollywood superstar Matthew McConaughey hints at possible run for office in red state

Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey has hinted at a possible move away from acting and into the political sphere.

The Oscar-winning actor, 54, made an appearance at the National Governor's Association summer meeting in Salt Lake City on Friday.

He was on stage with Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Colorado Governor Jared Polis before he was asked about whether he was still thinking about a move into politics.

'Yes. I have thought about running for office, getting into this category,' McConaughey replied.

The Texan is said to have thought about running to be governor of the Lone Star State and there are rumors he even considered a presidential bid.

Hollywood star Matthew McConaughey has hinted at a possible move away from acting and into the political sphere

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy probed McConaughey about a potential move into politics before he admitted he has thought about it.

'I'm on a learning tour and have been for probably the last six years of understanding what this category means,' the actor said.

'Do I have instincts, intellect that it would be a good fit for me and I would be a good fit for it.

'That would be useful. I'm still on that learning tour, and, you know, days like this. I'm learning a lot.

He then joked about Murphy enjoying his tequila brand and said: 'Last night, I learned a lot. I learned a lot from you last night. Through those tequila, through that tequila, sir.'

Hawaii Governor Josh Green was quick to encourage McConaughey to run for office and not to fall to the pressure of choosing a certain party.

'Please don't fall into the trap to think that you have to be just one thing, because I think you're so, you know, warm and likable,' he said.

The Oscar-winning actor, 54, made an appearance at the National Governor's Association summer meeting in Salt Lake City on Friday

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy probed McConaughey about a potential move into politics before he admitted he has thought about it

The Texan is said to have thought about running to be governor of the Lone Star State and there are rumors he even considered a presidential bid. Pictured: Texas State Capitol building

'A lot of Republicans who want you to be Republican, a lot of Democrats who want you to be a Democrat, just be you, because that might be something special for all of us.'

McConaughey said politicians are not taking part in 'real competition' with thoughtful debate and said they need to be 'better marketers.'

'If I invalidate your position off the bat, that's a lack of courage on my part. Right out of the gate, that's not real confrontation,' he said.

'I want to hear more vision from our leaders rather than just, "I want to do the opposite of what they want to do."

'Well, no. How do you see the way forward? Instead of just saying, "No, all I know is I don't want to do it that way or that's the wrong way."

'We see it right now – It's with two presidential candidates. Fear. Let's admit fear's easier to sell than hope. It's more measurable.'