LAKEWOOD — A confident and defiant Gary Johnson told an exuberant crowd Sunday in Lakewood that he is a candidate voters can vote for, not against.

Johnson, the Libertarian Party presidential candidate, will not become the next U.S. president, according to most polls. Last week, a University of Denver poll placed him at 5 percent of the state’s votes. But the unpopularity of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton has given Johnson and his party a bump in support. Many of his supporters at Sunday’s rally didn’t believe he has a chance against his competitors but hope the support he gained this election will turn the Libertarian Party into a mainstream contender.

Johnson came with son Erik and daughter Seah, who both spoke briefly before he took the stage. The Johnson family told the crowd, which the campaign estimated to be 1,200 people, not to waste their vote on Trump or Clinton. “The only way they got there was with their privilege,” Erik Johnson said. Johnson’s supporters wore buttons and T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Feel the Johnson.”

“I hope he will get us away from the two-party system. Now people have options,” said Mollie Rusher, who came to the rally from Denver with her husband, Rob. “Look at the Johnson family onstage,” Rob Rusher said. “No pant suits. No Armani suits. Just real people. That’s the biggest difference.”

Johnson gave a wide-ranging speech that touched on issues of corporal punishment, race and policing, money in politics, digital privacy and the sharing economy. He also briefly spoke about his opponents: “If Hillary is elected, there will be a constant drumbeat of impeachment. … If Trump wins, he’s going to be in court.”

The former New Mexico governor recalled his “open door after four” policy, in which every Thursday he would invite his constituency to discuss issues with him at his office. Johnson said he would extend that policy to the White House if he is elected.

“Look around Denver. You don’t see any political signs in people’s lawns. That’s because of fear they’re going to get attacked,” Rob Rusher said, cradling an arm full of lawn signs. “There’s no fear with Gary Johnson.”

Eric Joss was a registered Republican since the 1980s before he switched to the Libertarian party four years ago. Back then,”the party represented real Americans,” he said. “It became a xenophobic party that appeals to baser instincts.” Joss isn’t confident Johnson will be the next president but said he hopes the party will win 5 percent of the vote to qualify for more campaign funding.

“To me, Johnson represents real hope,” he said.