Former presidential candidate and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy officially declared his candidacy for Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial election on Monday, pledging to cut costs, slash regulations, and reform education in the Buckeye State. The 39-year-old Cincinnati native, who gained national prominence during his 2024 presidential campaign, framed his bid as a mission to restore Ohio’s status as a leader in innovation and excellence.
“President Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio,” Ramaswamy said during his announcement. “And that is why today I am honored to announce that I am running to be the next governor of a great state at the heart of the greatest nation known to mankind.”
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Ramaswamy’s campaign platform draws heavily on his experience working with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative led by Elon Musk to streamline federal operations. Although Ramaswamy stepped down from his role as DOGE co-chair in January, his proposals for Ohio reflect similar priorities, including cutting bureaucratic red tape, reducing government spending, and fostering a new tech sector in the state.
“Ohio’s best days are still ahead,” Ramaswamy said. “I will lead Ohio to be the state of excellence in America.”
The entrepreneur also outlined plans to attract disillusioned entrepreneurs from blue states, positioning Ohio as a competitive alternative to tech hubs like Florida and Texas. “We will create an environment where innovation thrives, where businesses can grow, and where families can prosper,” he added.
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Ramaswamy, who has never held public office, first rose to national prominence during his 2024 presidential campaign. As a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, he defended Trump during Republican primary debates and positioned himself as a champion of conservative values. However, his campaign lost momentum after a fourth-place finish in the Iowa caucus, prompting him to exit the race and endorse Trump.
Speculation about Ramaswamy’s political future had centered on Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat, which became vacant when Vice President JD Vance resigned. However, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill the seat in January, clearing the way for Ramaswamy to pursue the governorship instead.
Before entering politics, Ramaswamy built his fortune as the founder of Roivant Sciences, a biotech company focused on acquiring underdeveloped pharmaceuticals. He stepped down as CEO in 2021 and later authored the New York Times bestseller Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam, which critiqued the rise of social justice initiatives in corporate America.
Ramaswamy will run to succeed Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who is term-limited. While he enters the race as a political outsider, his national profile and ties to Trump could give him an edge in a crowded Republican primary. However, he will face scrutiny over his lack of government experience and his controversial statements on immigration and culture.
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