Former Republican presidential candidate and pharmaceutical industry multi-millionaire Vivek Ramaswamy has filed paperwork to run for the Ohio governor’s mansion. With the proper documents filed, Ramaswamy can begin campaign activities.
Ramaswamy was initially slated to join Elon Musk at the Department of Government Efficiency but parted ways with the oversight body on the day of President Donald Trump’s inauguration. An announcement at the time stated that he would be seeking elected office instead.
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The young millionaire’s departure from the administration followed a controversial post on X where he criticized Americans for not working hard enough and not prioritizing the right things. Ramaswamy, born to immigrant parents, derided America as “a culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math Olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian.”
It is unclear if the X post was related to Ramaswamy’s departure from the administration. His writing, however, has been received poorly by some in Ohio.
“This guy doesn’t get us,” columnist Marilou Johanek wrote in the Ohio Capital Journal. “[Ohio] boasts first-rate universities and colleges that train top notch engineers, software developers, data scientists, systems analysts, computer architects, and plenty of highly educated professionals. Ohio industries, from automotive to aerospace and advanced manufacturing technologies, embody innovation and resilience. But the smug pompadoured prince posted scorn and showed his cards. A losing hand for Ramaswamy.”
Ramaswamy has, however, maintained support among many of those close to the president and political power brokers in Ohio.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R), at one point considered a contender for the governor’s mansion, has endorsed Ramaswamy. Political operatives linked to Vice President JD Vance have also joined Ramaswamy’s campaign.
“In no uncertain terms, Vivek Ramaswamy is the overwhelming frontrunner to be the Republican nominee for Governor in Ohio, and he’ll only be buoyed by his pro-Trump and America First policies and ideas,” Trump-aligned pollster Fabrizio, Lee & Associates wrote in a memo.
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Ramaswamy will officially announce his candidacy in Cincinnati on Feb. 24, according to the Associated Press. A website affiliated with his campaign lists events in Cincinnati, New Albany, Strongsville, and Toledo on February 24 and 25.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is the only other candidate seeking the Republican nomination for the 2026 gubernatorial election and Former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton is the only Democrat so far to declare a candidacy.
