Oregon’s Unlikely Candidate: A Pencil Runs for Governor to Inspire Change

PORTLAND, Ore. — At the bustling downtown farmer’s market, a peculiar figure emerged amidst the crowd—a six-foot-tall pencil, engaging with passersby. Introducing itself as “Pencil,” this character is not just a mascot but a candidate for Oregon’s gubernatorial race, aiming to highlight educational challenges.

When approached by a curious market-goer, the pencil clarified, “I’m running for governor because we need to raise awareness about education.” When asked if it was running as a pencil or a person, the answer was straightforward: “As a pencil.”

This unconventional candidate is J. Schuberth, who has taken on the persona of Pencil, complete with a pointy lead tip, a yellow barrel body, and a pink eraser at the knees.

Dead last

In the upcoming November elections, incumbent Governor Tina Kotek seeks re-election, facing competition from several Republicans. Amidst this political landscape, Pencil emerges as a candidate urging voters to write “Pencil” on their ballots, bypassing traditional party candidates.

While the idea of voting for a pencil may seem far-fetched, the campaign underscores a serious issue: Oregon’s fourth-graders rank last in reading according to a national analysis. Pencil’s creator, J. Schuberth, criticizes the current state leadership: “This is an indictment of the people who are running our state,” pointing out that the Democrats have long influenced education policy.

Schuberth, a former college professor and literacy advocate, has witnessed Oregon’s declining educational performance with growing concern. In response, they crafted the pencil persona and entered the political fray, advocating for educational reform.

Pencil’s prospects

Realistically, the Oregon constitution does not allow an inanimate object to become governor. However, Schuberth believes a significant write-in campaign could serve as a wake-up call for state leaders.

“That pretty much sends a wake-up call,” Schuberth said. “People are willing to write in an inanimate object. We might have a problem.”

The challenge lies in quantifying Pencil’s support. Under state law, write-in votes are only tallied if they surpass those of the leading candidate. Schuberth is exploring ways to independently verify write-in numbers.

In Portland, where Democrats are prevalent, Pencil’s campaign resonates with some. Randy Hueber, a local resident, expressed support for Kotek but pondered writing in Pencil to “get the point across.” Similarly, Suzanne Lassen criticized the state’s educational system, stating, “It’s really a crime. Our education system’s horrendous and it’s only gone down.” She is open to voting for Pencil as a protest.

Anna Mackay, another Portlander, highlighted the challenging decision to enroll her children in private school due to public school outcomes. She, too, is considering a write-in vote for Pencil.

Even Joe Hagedorn, a county judge candidate, was intrigued by the campaign, noting shared concerns about education.

A longstanding reality

Education is a focal point for all candidates running against Kotek. The governor acknowledges the deficiencies in the school system, making literacy and reading a priority. She has invested in new reading programs and enacted a law to improve state intervention in struggling districts.

“I agree with Pencil,” Kotek stated, recognizing the literacy issue. However, Schuberth critiques her policies as inadequate, pointing to states like Mississippi as models for effective literacy improvement.

To promote the campaign, Schuberth distributes postcards, flyers, and magnets with the message: “Oregon’s education system is failing our kids, but together we can FIX it!”

Running a campaign is costly, and Schuberth has already invested nearly $30,000 of personal funds to promote their cause. With the primary approaching, Pencil aims to continue their efforts into the general election in November.