Vivek Ramaswamy, a multi-millionaire biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, is preparing to enter the Ohio governor’s race, according to multiple sources. Currently serving as co-leader of President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, Ramaswamy is expected to make an official announcement soon.
An Ohio political insider shared that Ramaswamy’s strategy includes achieving significant milestones with DOGE before transitioning to his gubernatorial campaign. The upcoming race will open as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026.
DeWine recently appointed Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by former Senator JD Vance, who resigned ahead of the vice president-elect’s inauguration. Husted, who had been planning his own gubernatorial campaign, may now need to adjust his political trajectory.
Ramaswamy, 39, gained national attention during his 2023 presidential campaign, where he promoted his “America First 2.0” agenda and strongly supported Donald Trump. Despite withdrawing from the race after a poor showing in the Iowa caucuses, he quickly endorsed Trump and became a prominent campaign ally.
In November, Trump named Ramaswamy and Elon Musk to head DOGE, a key initiative focusing on government efficiency. Ohio, once a competitive swing state, has trended Republican over the last decade, solidifying GOP dominance in statewide elections.
As an Ohio native, Ramaswamy’s anticipated candidacy signals his continued influence within Republican politics and his commitment to shaping the future of his home state.
