Biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is anticipated to declare his candidacy for Ohio governor by the end of January, according to sources close to him. This news comes shortly after reports surfaced suggesting Ramaswamy's likely gubernatorial bid following his involvement in President-elect Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, co-led with Elon Musk.
Ramaswamy, who gained prominence during his 2023 presidential campaign, actively supported Trump after concluding his own White House bid. His "America First 2.0" platform resonated with some voters, but he ultimately placed fourth in the Iowa caucuses. Following his endorsement of Trump, he became a prominent surrogate for the campaign.
The Ohio governorship is opening up due to term limits preventing current Governor Mike DeWine from seeking re-election in 2026. DeWine recently appointed Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by former Sen. JD Vance. Husted had previously intended to run for governor, but his Senate appointment seems to have cleared the path for Ramaswamy.
This development positions Ramaswamy to potentially capitalize on the shifting political landscape in Ohio, a state that has increasingly leaned Republican in recent years. At 39, Ramaswamy represents a younger generation within the party and his entrepreneurial background may appeal to certain segments of the electorate. His close ties to Trump and his role in the DOGE initiative could also become key factors in his campaign.
