2026 Oregon primary features a candidate who is a pencil
A pencil is running as a write-in candidate in Oregon's 2026 gubernatorial race to draw attention to the state's low literacy rates, particularly its last-place ranking in 4th-grade reading scores. The campaign is led by J. Schuberth, a former professor and education advocate, who uses the symbolic candidacy to push for education reform. While the pencil cannot legally win or serve, the effort aims to pressure policymakers to prioritize childhood literacy.
- ▪The pencil is a symbolic write-in candidate for Oregon governor in 2026, advocating for improved education and literacy rates.
- ▪J. Schuberth, a former professor with personal ties to dyslexia, is behind the campaign and filed the 'Pencil PAC' to support it.
- ▪Oregon ranks 50th out of 50 states in demographically-adjusted 4th-grade reading scores, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
- ▪Governor Tina Kotek acknowledged the validity of Pencil's message and cited her administration's early literacy initiatives.
- ▪The pencil cannot legally win the election or hold office, but the campaign seeks to raise awareness about systemic failures in the education system.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
This Oregon gubernatorial candidate may not be anywhere near the lead, but it sure is putting up a graphite. A pencil is asking Oregonians for their votes in the state’s 2026 race for governor. Campaigning as a write-in candidate, the utensil is asking people to write “Pencil” on their ballots as a way to make the point that Oregon’s politicians should prioritize fixing the state’s education system. Recommended Stories Spencer Pratt is ‘for the dogs’ in animal abuse campaign Karen Bass fires back at Spencer Pratt’s ‘violent’ AI campaign ads Spanberger concedes defeat on redistricting and says 2026 elections will use old map Pencil is hoping to raise awareness about Oregon ranking last among states in its demographically-adjusted 4th-grade reading scores on the National Assessment of…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
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