Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, has officially launched his campaign for the Ohio governorship in the 2026 election. The announcement came during a rally on Monday evening in West Chester Township, a suburb of Cincinnati, where Ramaswamy emphasized his vision for revitalizing the state.
At the rally held at CTL Aerospace, the 39-year-old entrepreneur expressed his admiration for former President Donald Trump, stating, “Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio.” This sentiment underlines Ramaswamy’s intention to align closely with Trump’s political philosophy as he seeks to garner support from the Republican base.
In his speech, Ramaswamy articulated his ambition for Ohio, declaring, “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.” His remarks signal a desire to position Ohio as a competitive alternative to states like Florida and Texas, which have become popular among conservatives.
Ramaswamy previously competed in the 2024 presidential race before withdrawing and endorsing Trump. He was considered for a vice-presidential role but ultimately was not selected. Following his campaign, Trump appointed him to assist Elon Musk in leading the Department of Government Efficiency, although Ramaswamy stepped away from that role on Inauguration Day.
Trump has publicly endorsed Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial bid, praising him as “something SPECIAL” and highlighting his youth, intelligence, and dedication to the country. Trump’s endorsement is significant in Ohio’s political landscape, especially as the state prepares for a competitive race after current Governor Mike DeWine, who is term-limited, steps down.
Among Ramaswamy’s potential competitors are Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who has already declared his candidacy on the Republican side, and former Ohio health director Amy Acton for the Democrats. Other notable figures, such as former college football coach Jim Tressel and ex-Rep. Tim Ryan, are also speculated to be considering a run.
As the race for the Ohio governorship heats up, Ramaswamy’s campaign will likely focus on appealing to conservative voters while promoting a vision that seeks to attract new residents and businesses to the state. With Trump’s backing and a clear message of leadership and excellence, Ramaswamy aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming election.