Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, has officially entered the race for Ohio governor. If elected, he would become the third Indian-origin governor in the U.S., following Bobby Jindal in Louisiana and Nikki Haley in South Carolina. His campaign centers on bold economic promises, including eliminating Ohio’s income and property taxes.
Ramaswamy, 39, who was born in Cincinnati to Indian immigrant parents from Kerala, received an immediate endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Trump praised him as “young, strong, and smart,” stating that Ramaswamy would be a “great governor” who “truly loves our country.”
In the GOP primary, Ramaswamy will compete against Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and entrepreneur Heather Hill. On the Democratic side, former state health director Dr. Amy Acton has entered the race.
Ramaswamy’s campaign focuses on economic reform, arguing that taxpayers should retain their earnings rather than fund government programs. He proposes reducing property taxes with a long-term goal of eliminating them, stating, “If you own land, it should not feel like a lease from the government.”
Elon Musk also endorsed Ramaswamy, wishing him “good luck” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Ramaswamy’s political career has been marked by both support and controversy. Previously a Trump rival in the 2024 presidential primaries, he later aligned closely with the former president. However, his past statements on American work culture—criticizing a focus on sports and social popularity over academic excellence—drew backlash from conservative circles. His stance supported Musk’s argument about the U.S. talent shortage in STEM fields, but it led to criticism from MAGA loyalists.
Ramaswamy’s background includes degrees from Harvard and Yale, and a career spanning hedge fund investments and biotech entrepreneurship. His campaign’s success will depend on whether his aggressive tax policies and outsider status resonate with Ohio voters.
