A trading card featuring a grotesque pencil character for Oregon governor, amidst a neglected classroom setting.

Governor Graphite

Oregon's Latest Governor Candidate: A Pencil Mock-Up

Published May 11, 2026

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In a tongue-in-cheek candidacy, a pencil has been humorously proposed as a write-in candidate for Oregon governor, highlighting education woes.

The Real Story

Amid Oregon's public schools ranking last in fourth-grade reading according to national tests, a satirical campaign features a pencil running for governor as a wake-up call. This writing instrument's candidacy aims to draw attention to the state's educational challenges and push elected leaders towards improvement.

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