Johnson switched to the Democratic Party when his campaign lost in the primary . Johnson has fashioned himself the `` clear alternative '' to Republican candidate Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama in November 's presidential election . The former New Mexico governor may be on the ballot in as many as 47 states . Still , name recognition is one of his biggest hurdles as a third - party candidate .
Johnson switched to the Democratic Party when his campaign lost in the primary . The former New Mexico governor may be on the ballot in as many as 47 states . Still , name recognition is one of his biggest hurdles as a third - party candidate .