(Image source: CBS)

BY JESSICA SIBERT

You’re watching multisource political video news analysis from Newsy.

“Survivor” star Rupert Boneham is moving on from the competitive reality show to compete in a new race -- that is, the race to become governor of Indiana. KVUE has more.

“The ‘Survivor All-Star’ contestant Rupert Boneham has made it official: he is running for governor of Indiana on a libertarian ticket. The 47-year-old in Indianapolis says that ‘it's time for a change.’ He says that if elected, he'll focus on creating better-paying jobs, reduce the number of school dropouts and close what he called ‘the revolving door’ in Indiana's prison system - issues he says ‘professional politicians’ have ignored.”

In what he calls an “open letter to hoosiers” on his website, the tie-dye lover insisted he be taken seriously. Boneham told WCPO he thinks he can win because of his relatable image.

“I want them to take us serious. I’m dressed up a little fancier than normal, but I still like the tie-dye, I'm still me. I am that everyday hoosier that has worked day to day, here in our community, showing people how if we work together, it's amazing what we can do."

Boneham competed on the wilderness reality show in 2003 and took home the $1 million prize in 2004 for being the “fan-favorite.” A blogger for Gather said his popularity could help him win this race as well.

“Rupert Boneham survived ‘Survivor,’ that could give him a leg up in the race for Indiana Governor. Rupert was always will be a fan favorite. There is just something about that big teddy bear of a man you have to love.”

And the head of Indiana’s Libertarian party told WXIN the reality star actually does have a realistic shot in the race.

“He’s a wonderful spirit, he’s highly intelligent, he’s lived a libertarian lifestyle for the past 20 years, running his charity for Rupert’s Kids without ever taking a nickel from the government.”

Boneham would still have to earn the party’s nomination next April. But, a writer for the Daily Caller said other candidates should still be a little worried.

“With Boneham, the Libertarian Party would have a semi-credible candidate with a decades-long record of community service and as much name recognition as Pence. Boneham’s announcement is already all over the Internet, and the more earned media he gets, the more of a threat he becomes…[he also] has the three qualities that third-party candidates need in order to be successful: access to a fundraising network, a compelling personal story and a good message.”                                                       

Even though Boneham wasn’t wearing tie-dye on this occasion, there were stations set up at his announcement for his supporters to make their own tie-dye shirts. He is the only candidate to seek the libertarian ticket so far.