Indian-American entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has officially launched his campaign for Ohio governor, pledging to implement sweeping economic reforms and regulatory rollbacks. His announcement, made near his hometown in the Cincinnati suburbs, comes weeks after stepping down from former President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“I am honored to officially announce my candidacy to serve as the next Governor of Ohio,” Ramaswamy said. “President Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio.”
Trump quickly endorsed Ramaswamy, praising his intellect and leadership. “VIVEK RAMASWAMY is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio. I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He’s Young, Strong, and Smart! 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!”
Responding to Trump’s support, Ramaswamy expressed gratitude. “I’m truly honored to have your endorsement. We’re behind you all the way & we will Make Ohio Great Again!” he posted.
Thank you President Trump. I’m truly honored to have your endorsement. We’re behind you all the way & we will Make Ohio Great Again! pic.twitter.com/iKFB54ZUXw
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 25, 2025
Tesla CEO Elon Musk also extended his support, posting on X, “Good luck, you have my full endorsement!” Ramaswamy replied, “Thank you, Elon. Let’s roll!”
Thank you Elon. Let’s roll! https://t.co/2QDheoUSVj
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 25, 2025
Ramaswamy’s candidacy sets up a contentious Republican primary against Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, while former Ohio State football coach and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel is reportedly considering a bid. On the Democratic side, former Ohio health director Dr. Amy Acton has entered the race.
Yost wasted no time in attacking Ramaswamy’s commitment to the state. “We’ll see if he actually stays in—Mr. Ramaswamy quit on President Trump and DOGE on day one, he quit on Ohio and moved his company to Texas, and he quit his presidential campaign after a devastating fourth-place finish in Iowa,” Yost said in a statement.
Acton also criticized Ramaswamy’s past remarks, pointing to a controversial X post where he lamented America’s “veneration of mediocrity.” “It’s clear Vivek Ramaswamy doesn’t know the same Ohioans I do,” Acton stated. “Where he sees laziness and mediocrity, I see our strength, our grit, and our opportunity.”
Ramaswamy fired back, taking aim at Acton’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Never again will we bend the knee to an Anthony Fauci knockoff who allowed our schools to be closed,” he said at his campaign launch. “She owes those kids an apology.”
The biotech entrepreneur has outlined a pro-business agenda, vowing to eliminate both income and property taxes and implement a policy requiring the removal of 10 regulations for every new one introduced. “It’s your money, not the government’s,” he asserted. “We want to be the top state in the country to be an entrepreneur.”
Ramaswamy is set to continue his campaign with stops in New Albany, Toledo, and Strongsville in the coming days as he seeks to build momentum for his 2026 gubernatorial bid.
