Vivek Ramaswamy Launches 2026 Ohio Governor Campaign: Key Insights and What It Means for Voters

CNN —

Vivek Ramaswamy has announced his candidacy for governor of Ohio in the 2026 election. This decision follows a whirlwind of recent events, including his departure from a government efficiency project initiated by former President Donald Trump and missing out on a US Senate seat after Vice President JD Vance left to assume office.

At a rally in Cincinnati, Ramaswamy expressed his pride in Ohio, stating, “I am running to be the next governor of the state where I was born and raised, where my family lives today.” He is optimistic about Ohio’s future and believes its best days are ahead.

Ramaswamy’s entry into the race comes after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost declared his intention to run for governor as well. The Republican primary could also include former Ohio health director Amy Acton, who is seeking the Democratic nomination. In the previous election, Trump won Ohio by a significant margin of 11 points.

Late on Monday, Trump endorsed Ramaswamy, calling him “something SPECIAL” and praising him as a good person who loves the country. The former president expressed confidence in Ramaswamy’s future as a governor, stating, “He will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!”

Previously, Ramaswamy was chosen by Trump to co-lead a government efficiency initiative, known as DOGE, alongside tech mogul Elon Musk. Their plans included significant government spending cuts and regulatory reforms.

However, as the inauguration approached, Ramaswamy’s role seemed uncertain. Controversy arose from his comments about American cultural values, and tensions grew over policies concerning skilled foreign workers. His position within DOGE became further complicated as Governor Mike DeWine began considering candidates for the Senate appointment.

Even though Ramaswamy had initially withdrawn his name from consideration for the Senate seat, speculation persisted about his candidacy. Trump’s encouragement led to discussions with DeWine, but ultimately, DeWine appointed Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, which sidestepped a potential GOP primary contest with Ramaswamy for the governor’s race.

After this decision, Ramaswamy pivoted his focus toward his gubernatorial campaign, making a public declaration shortly thereafter.

Ramaswamy has since embarked on a campaign journey, visiting various Ohio cities and nationwide events to gain support. He has been active on social media, emphasizing his endorsement of Trump’s policies. Notably, he recently attended a Cleveland Cavaliers game and a comedy show, engaging with fans and supporters.

His list of endorsements is growing too, with notable figures like Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose publicly supporting his run. However, hurdles lie ahead as he must contend with Yost and the possibility of former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel entering the race. Tressel’s potential candidacy would present a unique contrast — a familiar state figure versus Ramaswamy’s outsider approach.

Ramaswamy, originally from Cincinnati, is relatively new to politics. He gained prominence during the 2024 presidential race, despite its challenges and eventually suspended his campaign to support Trump. In doing so, he became a vocal advocate for Trump’s agenda, which helped secure his position with DOGE.

Born to Indian immigrants, Ramaswamy studied at Harvard and Yale. He made his wealth founding Roivant, a company that develops overlooked drugs, before starting Strive Asset Management, known for opposing “woke” policies in investing. His experience and distinctive approach to campaigning could shape Ohio’s political landscape in the coming years.

Note: This article has been updated with recent developments.

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