Austin, Texas – Matthew McConaughey's long-awaited decision on a bid for Texas governor could be coming "shortly," the actor said this week.

Over the past few months, Matthew McConaughey has made repeated references to a potential 2022 gubernatorial bid, but an official announcement remains elusive.

The 52-year-old Texan told the Hollywood Reporter he has been doing some deep thinking about entering politics: "Is this something I’ve been thinking about for 20 years, and I know what I want to do, but I’m just holding on to my answer? No."

"It’s a new embassy of leadership that I have really been doing my diligence to study, to look into, to question what it is, what would it be for me. Not the question of, 'Hey, do you think I could win?' No. Let’s talk about what Texas politics is. Talk about a policy statement," he continued.

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"I’m a storyteller. I’m a CEO. But being CEO of a state? Am I best equipped for the people in the state, and for my family and myself? There’s great sacrifice that comes with a decision," McConaughey said to explain his non-committal approach thus far.

"That’s what I’ve been doing, and there’s no tease to it. There’s me doing my diligence, and I will let you know shortly."

The deadline to file campaign papers in Texas is December 14, so if McConaughey hasn't done so by that date, he will no longer be able to enter the race.

The actor has not yet said whether he would campaign as a Republican or Democrat.

Though he hasn't any announced any party affiliation, McConaughey has described himself as "aggressively centric."

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The actor would have to compete with strong challengers in either of the two major primary races, including incumbent Republican Governor Greg Abbott, who is running for this third term in office with a big endorsement from Donald Trump.

On the Democratic side, Beto O'Rourke is likely to be the party's top candidate. McConaughey apparently "missed the news" of the former El Paso congressman's announcement.

Recent polls show that McConaughey could be competitive against Abbott and O'Rourke, but at this early stage, that could just be due to name recognition.