Cincinnati native and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy took the stage on the second day of the Republican National Convention. A graduate of St. Xavier High School, Ramaswamy, who competed in the Republican primary for the 2024 election, delivered a speech lauding former President Donald Trump. His address aimed to garner voter support and energize the enthusiastic crowd in Milwaukee.
Ramaswamy underscored Trump’s ability to bring the nation together through concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric. He stated that Trump would genuinely unify the country through his actions, emphasizing that success and excellence are unifying factors that reflect the core identity of Americans.
In his speech, Ramaswamy also reached out to younger voters, particularly Gen Z. He urged them to rally behind Trump, framing their support as a form of rebellion. He proclaimed that the younger generation would be the ones to rescue the nation. Whether they sought rebellion, embraced counterculture, or challenged authority by identifying as conservative on campus.
Earlier in the week, another prominent figure from Greater Cincinnati, Ohio Senator JD Vance, was announced as Trump’s running mate. Ramaswamy expressed his pride in Vance, a fellow southwest Ohioan and former classmate, celebrating their shared journey from watching Bengals games in law school to now being part of a historic presidential ticket. “He’ll be an outstanding vice president and I look forward to everything ahead for him and for our country,” Ramaswamy said in a statement on X.
When asked by NBC News’ Hallie Jackson if he would consider filling Vance’s Senate seat should Trump and Vance win in November, Ramaswamy expressed openness to the idea. “To be frank, I would strongly consider it, if I were asked to serve,” he said. However, he also mentioned the importance of discussing other impactful roles with President Trump.
Although Ramaswamy has never held public office, he entered the Republican presidential primary field last year but withdrew after the Iowa caucuses. Upon his withdrawal, he immediately endorsed Trump.
