Vivek Ramaswamy Enters Ohio Gubernatorial Race with Trump and Musk Endorsements

Rubber stamp with "ENDORSED" text on paper.

Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has launched his campaign for Ohio governor with powerful endorsements from Donald Trump and Elon Musk, setting the stage for a high-profile Republican primary battle.

Key Takeaways

Vivek Ramaswamy, 39, has entered the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race with endorsements from both Donald Trump and Elon Musk
Ramaswamy’s platform includes eliminating income and property taxes, implementing work requirements for Medicaid, and creating merit-based pay for educators
The biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate positions himself as a political outsider and has a net worth estimated at $960 million
He faces competition from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in the Republican primary, while Dr. Amy Acton is currently the sole Democratic candidate
Ramaswamy recently left his position co-chairing Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk to pursue elected office

Trump and Musk Rally Behind Ramaswamy

Vivek Ramaswamy’s entry into the Ohio gubernatorial race has immediately secured backing from two of the most influential figures in American politics and business. President Donald Trump quickly endorsed Ramaswamy, praising him in characteristically effusive terms.

“VIVEK RAMASWAMY is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio. I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL. He’s Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country,” said Trump.

Elon Musk, who worked closely with Ramaswamy on Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative, added his endorsement with a simple but clear statement: “Good luck, you have my full endorsement!” These powerful backers give Ramaswamy significant momentum as he enters a race to replace term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine.

Tweets by VivekGRamaswamy

A Bold Economic Vision for Ohio

At his campaign launch in Cincinnati, Ramaswamy outlined an ambitious economic agenda focused on transforming Ohio into what he calls “the state of excellence in America.” His platform includes eliminating both income and property taxes while implementing work requirements for Medicaid recipients. These proposals reflect his conservative approach to governance and emphasis on economic growth through reduced taxation and government spending.

The biotech entrepreneur envisions revitalizing Ohio’s economy through emerging industries including semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy, biotechnology, and cryptocurrency. His business background shapes his approach to economic development, with a focus on innovation and technology as drivers of growth. “I am honoured to officially announce my candidacy to serve as the next Governor of Ohio,” Ramaswamy stated at his campaign kickoff.

“There are conservative solutions and approaches that have not yet been tried in any of the other 50 states. I want Ohio to set the standard,” Ramaswamy explained, highlighting his desire to make the state a laboratory for conservative governance.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy joins the Ohio governor's race https://t.co/nChqelcPUg

— WKYC 3News (@wkyc) February 25, 2025

Education Reform and Cultural Battles

Ramaswamy has placed education at the center of his campaign platform, proposing a merit-based pay system for public school educators. This approach aligns with his broader philosophy of implementing performance-based systems across government. His education agenda resonates particularly with conservative voters concerned about curriculum content and educational outcomes in public schools.

“President Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio,” Ramaswamy stated, drawing parallels between his vision and Trump’s national agenda.

The candidate has also taken controversial positions on social issues, including advocating for legal responsibility for men regarding their children while opposing a federal abortion ban. These stances have already generated significant debate, particularly among cultural conservatives who form a crucial voting bloc in Ohio Republican politics.

A Competitive Path to the Governor’s Mansion

Ramaswamy faces a competitive primary field that includes Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and former school board member Heather Brazell-Hill. The winner will likely face Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton, the former Ohio Department of Health Director who gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The contrast between Ramaswamy and Acton on pandemic policies could become a central theme in the general election.

With an estimated net worth of $960 million from his pharmaceutical business ventures, Ramaswamy brings substantial personal resources to the campaign. His wealth allows him to potentially self-fund portions of his campaign while his national profile from his presidential run provides name recognition many first-time gubernatorial candidates lack.

As Ohio prepares for its gubernatorial primary coinciding with the 2025 congressional elections, Ramaswamy’s candidacy has already energized conservative voters while drawing criticism from opponents who question his positions on COVID-19 and other issues. His campaign represents another chapter in the ongoing influence of Trump-aligned candidates in state-level Republican politics.