Powell running race as an 'alternative'
Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Chris Powell is being outspent by millions, lacks the support of national political groups and has been left out of many candidate forums ahead of Tuesday's election.
But he believes that disadvantage is why Oklahomans should support him.
"It's less me being a Libertarian and more about the fact that I understand the everyday issues that face ordinary Oklahomans," said Powell, 46, who works for the Oklahoma City Police Department. "My two opponents are both part of the elite, the establishment. Somebody who spends nearly $4 million on a race, that's not an outsider."
Republican Kevin Stitt and Democrat Drew Edmondson are locked in a competitive race for governor and have combined to raise nearly $15 million.
Powell's campaign has raised about $14,000 and polls show him in the low single digits.
But Powell's campaign represents a milestone as the first Libertarian gubernatorial nominee in state history after he won an August runoff against Rex Lawhorn.
Officially recognized on state ballots in 2016, the Libertarian Party has nearly 5,000 registered voters across the state.
Powell acknowledges he's a bit of a political pioneer and hopes his campaign increases his party's profile, leading to more Libertarian candidates in the future.
But he also believes his platform speaks to specific concerns many Oklahoma voters have this election.
"I'm the only candidate who is for complete decriminalization of cannabis," said Powell, adding that the controversial roll out of medical marijuana this year has increased his support.
In a state that leads the nation in incarceration rates, Powell said his criminal justice platform is the most detailed.
He also has vowed to reduce drastically the number of tax credits and subsidies, and he wants to consolidate or eliminate many state agencies.
On Thursday, the first day of early voting, Powell stood along Lincoln Boulevard near the Oklahoma County Election Board office, waving to motorists coming to vote.
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are," said Powell, quoting the popular Teddy Roosevelt saying. "I'm working as hard as I can to let the people of Oklahoma know they have an alternative."