Vivek Ramaswamy eyes 2026 Ohio governor’s race, leans on Trump backing

In a surprise move on February 24 evening, Vivek Ramaswamy, former GOP presidential candidate, announced that he will run for governor of Ohio in 2026. 

The announcement follows a whirlwind of political activity over the past few weeks, including his departure from President Donald Trump’s government efficiency initiative and being passed over for the US Senate seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

At a rally in Cincinnati, Ramaswamy shared his excitement: “Today, I am honoured 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.”

The move sets up a competitive race for Ohio’s governorship. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost had already announced his candidacy last month, and other potential GOP contenders are expected to join the field. On the Democratic side, former Ohio Health Director Amy Acton has also entered the race. In the 2020 election, Trump won Ohio by 11 points.

Late Monday night, Trump expressed his full support for Ramaswamy, endorsing his gubernatorial bid on Truth Social. "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!” Trump wrote.

Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native, had previously been tapped by Trump to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside tech billionaire Elon Musk. The pair had planned to implement significant cuts to government spending and regulation. However, as Trump’s inauguration neared, Ramaswamy’s role with DOGE became unclear, especially after he made controversial social media posts criticizing American cultural values and clashed with fellow Trump supporters over immigration policies.

Ramaswamy, who is relatively new to politics, first gained national attention during his 2024 presidential campaign. The former biotech executive and author of "Woke, Inc." and "Nation of Victims" used his personal fortune to finance his campaign and attract a growing following in conservative circles. Although he eventually suspended his presidential run in January 2024, Ramaswamy endorsed Trump and became an energetic surrogate for the campaign.

With endorsements from influential figures like Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and U.S. Senators Mike Lee, Rick Scott, and Marsha Blackburn, Ramaswamy is positioning himself as a major player in the race for governor. His candidacy is already generating buzz, and his challenge in the GOP primary will likely include not only Yost but also potentially Tressel, who could bring a unique dynamic to the race.

Ramaswamy, born to Indian immigrant parents and raised in Cincinnati, is a graduate of Harvard University and Yale Law School. After founding Roivant, a company focused on reviving neglected drugs, Ramaswamy became known for his outspoken stance on anti-"woke" policies, further fueling his rise in conservative circles. Now, as he prepares to run for Ohio’s top office, his political future looks increasingly bright, with Trump’s endorsement further cementing his standing in the GOP.

By Tamilla Hasanova