Ramaswamy for the Run

February 24th, 2025

Meera Menon

Vivek Ramaswamy, the founder of Roivant Sciences, a pharmaceutical company, and a Republican political figure has officially launched his campaign for the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race. Vivek Ramaswamy formally declared his candidacy for Ohio governor on Monday during a rally in his hometown of Cincinnati where he outlined his plan to "revive our conviction" and emphasize economic growth, innovation, and conservative values.

Ramaswamy's platform focuses on attracting businesses and talent to Ohio, aiming to position the state as a leader in the nation. He plans to implement policies that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a thriving economic environment. His campaign is closely aligned with former President Donald Trump, whose support he hopes to gain as he moves forward as Ramaswamy had previously greatly supported Trump’s campaign and was in charge of DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency initiative). Ramaswamy’s alignment with Trump is set to serve him well in Ohio, which Trump won by 11 points in November. He ultimately wants to help President Trump make America great again by running to be Ohio’s state governor.

Aside from previously running in the 2024 presidential election and dropping out, the 39 year old lacks experience in elected office. However, Ramaswamy has gained notable support and promising polling results as his campaign team includes top political advisers from Vice President J.D. Vance's circle. This support from such influential figures is crucial as he faces competition from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in the Republican primary. Yost, with his long-standing political ties and experience, presents a significant challenge for Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy is running against Democrat and former Ohio Health Director Amy Acton has announced her candidacy. Acton, known for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, brings a wealth of public health experience to the race.

Concurrently, Ramaswamy's campaign has faced criticism for his controversial stance on climate change, which he has labeled as a “hoax” and his support for slashing Ukraine funding. Nevertheless, his vision for Ohio's future, his commitment to economic growth, and his alignment with conservative values make him a formidable contender.