Ramaswamy officially launches bid for Ohio governor

Billionaire and President Donald Trump ally Vivek Ramaswamy on Monday afternoon officially announced his run for Ohio governor in 2026, ending weeks of speculation. 

Ramaswamy, who ran for the Republican nomination for president in 2024 but bowed out to endorse Trump, is the second Republican to enter the race to succeed GOP Gov. Mike DeWine, who is term-limited. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is also running.

Ramaswamy made his announcement during an event in Cincinnati, where he vowed to make Ohio the "state of excellence," according to The Hill.

“President Trump is reviving our conviction in America," Ramaswamy said. "We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio, 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.

“I will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country where patriots across America actually flock to instead of Florida and Texas," he continued. "I will lead Ohio to be the state of excellence in America."

Ramaswamy first teased the bid after he departed Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who the president tapped to help lead it alongside Elon Musk, in order to pursue "future plans in Ohio."

The announcement comes after Ramaswamy recruited some of Vice President JD Vance's top political advisors. Vance, who represented Ohio in the Senate until his rise in Trump's administration, has not commented on the race so far. 

Trump has also not commented on the announcement.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.