COLUMBUS, Ohio — Following his abrupt exit from President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, Vivek Ramaswamy is now aiming to secure the governorship of Ohio, his home state.
The 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur previously sought the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election; however, that campaign did not succeed. He is now reportedly assembling a team of strategists with deep roots in Ohio and is expected to officially announce his gubernatorial candidacy within the week.
Ramaswamy aims to emulate the success of political newcomers like Vice President JD Vance and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, both of whom won their positions with Trump’s endorsement. His entrance into the race complicates matters for several seasoned Republican politicians who are also eying the governorship to succeed term-limited incumbent Gov. Mike DeWine. Recently, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost made his intention to run known.
Historically, Ohio voters appear to prefer candidates with governmental experience for state offices while favoring those with business backgrounds in federal elections. “For the governor’s race, there’s a different set of criteria, compared to federal positions,” noted Republican consultant Terry Casey. “Governors handle issues like clearing roads and managing prisons, which makes them more relatable to voters.”
Ramaswamy is in a good position to capture the enthusiasm of Trump’s fervent supporters. His longstanding relationships with figures like Vance and Moreno further bolster his profile. He was present at Trump’s second inauguration and has been an outspoken advocate for the former president.
During a recent gathering of over 600 Ohio GOP activists, he was inundated with requests for photographs from fans, alongside his wife, Apoorva. His presence at a high-profile inaugural ball also drew a large crowd, illustrating his appeal among Republican constituents.
Ryan Stubenrauch, a Republican strategist and former senior policy adviser to DeWine, raised the question of whether Ramaswamy can overcome decades of political convention typically expected for gubernatorial candidates.
Born to Indian immigrants in Cincinnati, Ramaswamy boasts degrees from prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale. He began his career at a hedge fund specializing in pharmaceutical investments before launching his own company, Roivant, in 2014, which focuses on reviving neglected drug patents. His financial success is substantial, with assets reaching the hundreds of millions, significantly overshadowing the $15 million he funded his presidential campaign with.
Raised in a Hindu household, Ramaswamy emphasizes that his faith aligns closely with Christian values and credits his opposition to abortion to his education at St. Xavier High School. Although he has garnered support, he has also faced criticism from various factions within the Republican Party, especially regarding his stance on foreign policy and immigration—particularly for his controversial ideas surrounding Ukraine and tech worker immigration.
Last year, when he held a town hall in Springfield, Ohio, amidst controversies regarding comments made by Trump and Vance about Haitian migrants, he was met with an overwhelmingly large audience. This excitement does not necessarily translate to universal admiration, as some observe that Ramaswamy’s approach can be perceived as abrasive.
As of now, Trump has not formally endorsed any candidate in this developing race, yet Ramaswamy’s intentions to run for governor have been longstanding, known to those familiar with his ambitions. After his appointment to the Department of Government Efficiency, Ramaswamy withdrew from considerations for a Senate seat that opened following Vance’s ascendancy to the vice presidency. Ultimately, he expressed interest in the Senate vacancy to Trump, but DeWine selected Lt. Gov. Jon Husted for the role, citing his extensive governmental expertise.
Ramaswamy’s plans are running counter to those of seasoned politicians like Husted, whose shift to the Senate would alter the political landscape regarding the upcoming gubernatorial race. This pivot from Husted does not guarantee that the influential supporters he amassed over his six-year tenure will transfer their allegiance to another experienced Republican candidate like Yost or State Treasurer Robert Sprague.
In his campaign announcement, Yost referenced his devotion to Ohio, emphasizing his focus on serving the state’s residents without mentioning Ramaswamy directly. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who has not yet indicated his plans, is another Republican figure of note in the race.
Ramaswamy is not unfamiliar with state governance, having been invited to join the board of InnovateOhio, a technology improvement initiative launched by DeWine in 2018. Husted has praised this collaborative initiative, highlighting the diverse talent involved, including Moreno, Vance, and Ramaswamy himself.
As the political landscape shifts and candidates step forward, Ramaswamy’s entry into the race adds a significant dynamic, raising questions about the implications for both his opponents and Ohio’s future leadership.
