Write-in Pencil Candidate Seeks to Highlight Oregon Education Issues

A pencil is running as a write-in candidate in Oregon's 2026 gubernatorial race to draw attention to the state's low fourth-grade reading scores. The campaign is backed by J. Schuberth, a former professor and education advocate who filed Pencil PAC with the state in late February.

Schuberth, who has dyslexia and a child with dyslexia, says the experiences shaped their view on the importance of trained reading teachers. Pencil is asking voters to write the word "Pencil" on their ballots. The stated goal is to focus attention on Oregon ranking last among states in demographically adjusted fourth-grade reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress report.

Pencil's campaign is to alert Oregonians that we are 50th out of 50 states in 4th-grade literacy," Pencil told the Washington Examiner. "This isn't our kids, parents, or teachers' fault. " Pencil, as an object, cannot legally win the race or serve as governor. Schuberth said the candidacy is meant to represent children who lack a lobbying group and to keep adult attention on education reform.

Incumbent and Primary Context Gov. Tina Kotek is running for reelection.

Kotek told Oregon Public Broadcasting that she agrees with Pencil on the literacy issue and cited an early literacy program started during her first term. Primary day is set for May 19. On the Republican side, state Senator Christine Drazan, state Representative Ed Diehl, and former Portland Trailblazer Chris Dudley are among the leading candidates.