Vivek Ramaswamy officially announced his candidacy for the governor of Ohio in 2026 on Monday evening. This announcement follows a series of rapid developments, including the former GOP presidential candidate stepping down from President Donald Trump’s government efficiency initiative and not being selected for the US Senate seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance.
At a rally in Cincinnati, Ramaswamy expressed his enthusiasm for the gubernatorial race, stating, “Today, I am honored to announce that I am running to be the next governor of a great state at the heart of the greatest nation known to mankind – the state where I was born and raised, the state where Apoorva and I raise our two sons today – a state whose best days are still ahead.”
Ramaswamy's entry into the race follows Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s announcement of his candidacy to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine. The race is expected to attract more GOP contenders, with former Ohio health director Amy Acton seeking the Democratic nomination. Notably, Trump won Ohio by 11 points in the last election.
Trump endorsed Ramaswamy's gubernatorial bid, describing him as “something SPECIAL” in a Truth Social post. Trump added, “Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country. He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!”
Previously appointed by Trump to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with tech billionaire Elon Musk, Ramaswamy was involved in plans to cut government spending and regulation. However, as Trump’s inauguration approached, Ramaswamy's involvement with DOGE became uncertain, exacerbated by his controversial social media posts and clashes with Trump supporters over immigration policies.
Ramaswamy’s potential appointment to the US Senate was also discussed, but he had removed himself from consideration to focus on DOGE. Ultimately, Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was selected for the Senate seat, avoiding a potential primary conflict with Ramaswamy.
Ramaswamy has been actively traveling across Ohio and the country, rallying support for his campaign. He attended events like the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game, a comedy show in Columbus, the Super Bowl in New Orleans, and the Daytona 500 in West Palm Beach, Florida. During these events, Ramaswamy gathered endorsements from notable figures, including Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and State Treasurer Robert Sprague, along with GOP US senators such as Utah Sen. Mike Lee, Florida Sen. Rick Scott, and Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn.
Despite a growing list of supporters, Ramaswamy faces challenges in the GOP primary, including Yost’s rival campaign and potential competition from former Ohio State University head football coach Jim Tressel.
Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native and son of Indian immigrants, is a newcomer to politics. He gained recognition during his 2024 presidential campaign, leveraging his status as a former biotech executive and author of “Woke, Inc.” and “Nation of Victims.” Despite suspending his campaign in January 2024 and endorsing Trump, Ramaswamy remained a prominent figure in right-wing media.
With an educational background from Harvard University and Yale University, Ramaswamy founded Roivant, a company known for its innovative approach to pharmaceuticals. He also co-founded Strive Asset Management, known for its stance against “woke” investment ideologies.
Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial run marks a significant step in his political career, supported by a strong base and a clear vision for Ohio's future. As the race unfolds, Ramaswamy's strategic moves and endorsements will be crucial in shaping his path to the governor’s office.
