Vivek Ramaswamy enters Ohio governor race
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Vivek Ramaswamy speaks in January 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Business entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy officially launched his bid for Ohio governor during a rally in Cincinnati on Monday.
Why it matters: Ramaswamy enters a competitive race for Ohio's top office that has already seen several pivots, including former Lt. Gov Jon Husted — long expected to launch a campaign — replacing Vice President JD Vance in the Senate.
- Ramaswamy has key connections with the Trump administration and was initially announced as part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) along with Tesla CEO Elon Musk. But he withdrew from the job on the day of President Trump's inauguration.
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's second term will end in January 2027.
What he's saying: "President Trump is reviving our conviction in America, we require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio," Ramaswamy said at the rally announcing his candidacy at CTL Aerospace.
- "We will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country where we embrace capitalism and meritocracy instead of apologizing for it, we will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country that takes a hatchet to red tape over regulation and bureaucracy," added the Cincinnati-born biotech entrepreneur.
- "I will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country where patriots across America actually flock to instead of Florida and Texas, I will lead Ohio to be the state of excellence in America," he said.
State of play: Ramaswamy's bid sets up a GOP primary showdown with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
- Ramaswamy attracted plenty of endorsements from state officials and lawmakers before he launched his campaign, including from state treasurer Robert Sprague and Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
- Some of Vance's political advisers joined Ramaswamy's team last month.
- In January, Ramaswamy had over 50% of support among Republican primary voters and led his nearest competitor by 34 points, per polling from a pro-Ramaswamy outside group.
Zoom out: Ramaswamy rose to political prominence with a failed 2024 presidential bid. He's never run for public office in Ohio, but has name recognition thanks to his presidential campaign and connections with Trump.
- Ramaswamy grew up outside Cincinnati and currently lives outside Columbus.
What we're watching: Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, a former college football coach, hasn't ruled out joining the gubernatorial race, per local reports.
- He began serving as lieutenant governor this month when Husted took Vance's open Senate seat.
