Actor Matthew McConaughey is urging Americans to seriously consider independent candidates in the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that the country’s two major political parties have dominated the electoral system for too long. In a roughly six-minute video posted Sunday, the Oscar-winning actor called on voters to look beyond traditional party labels and give independent candidates a genuine chance at winning office.

“They’ve been telling us for years that an independent vote is a wasted vote,” McConaughey said. “Well, a great question for our time is: ‘How’s that unwasted vote been working out for you?’”

McConaughey argued that independent candidates should not be viewed simply as protest votes or potential spoilers who take support away from Republicans or Democrats.

“Independents belong in the fight. Not as a protest, not as a spoiler, but as a real and potential winner on the ballot and considered seriously by us,” he said.

The actor also rejected the idea that political independence necessarily means taking a moderate position between the two parties. He described independence as an American political tradition that predates the modern party system, arguing that independent lawmakers could represent voters who feel neither party adequately reflects their views.

McConaughey said even a small group of independent lawmakers in the Senate could wield considerable influence in a closely divided chamber. He compared the potential role of three to five independent senators to a “toll booth” that would force legislation to face additional scrutiny before advancing, potentially preventing either party from pushing through overly partisan measures.

His message comes as former West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and his daughter, Heather, have launched the Independent Leadership Council, an organization intended to recruit and support independent congressional candidates. McConaughey referenced the effort but emphasized that he was not endorsing a particular candidate or political organization.

“I am not here today to endorse a candidate or a party,” McConaughey said. “I am here endorsing two things: fairness and reality.”

His appeal arrives ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, when control of Congress will be at stake. While supporters of independent candidates argue that alternatives could challenge partisan gridlock, critics contend that third-party and independent campaigns can split votes in closely contested races.

McConaughey closed by encouraging voters to research the candidates on their ballots and assess whether they represent their beliefs, rather than automatically limiting their choices to the Democratic and Republican nominees.