Vivek Ramaswamy Enters Ohio Gubernatorial Race with Trump and Musk Support, Focuses on Conservative Reforms and Education

Man in suit holding microphone and looking aside

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy enters the Ohio gubernatorial race with powerful backers as he pledges to transform the state’s economy and education system with bold conservative reforms.

Key Insights

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has received endorsements from both President Donald Trump and Elon Musk in his bid for Ohio governor.
Ramaswamy’s economic platform includes eliminating income and property taxes while focusing on innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy, biotechnology, and cryptocurrency.
His education reform proposals center on implementing merit-based pay for teachers to improve educational outcomes.
Ramaswamy will face Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in the Republican primary, while former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is the sole Democratic candidate.
The biotech entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $960 million recently left his position co-chairing Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency to pursue this elected office.

High-Profile Endorsements Boost Campaign Launch

Vivek Ramaswamy, the 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, announced his candidacy for Ohio governor at a rally in Cincinnati. His entry into the race to replace term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine in 2026 immediately gained national attention due to endorsements from prominent figures. Both President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk publicly threw their support behind Ramaswamy, providing significant momentum to his campaign launch.

Trump’s endorsement carried particular weight, as he praised Ramaswamy in glowing terms on social media. The president, who competed against Ramaswamy during the 2024 Republican presidential primaries, described him as a special candidate with the qualities needed to lead Ohio. Musk, who serves as a senior advisor to Trump, similarly offered his “full endorsement” to Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial bid, continuing a partnership that began when they co-chaired Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative.

BREAKING: Vivek Ramaswamy just officially announced his run for Governor of Ohio. The crowd WENT NUTS hearing it.

"I will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country to start and grow a new business. I will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country to raise a young family.… pic.twitter.com/UQ5DMPBngI

— George (@BehizyTweets) February 24, 2025

Bold Economic and Education Reform Agenda

Ramaswamy has outlined an ambitious economic platform centered on eliminating state income and property taxes while rejuvenating Ohio’s economy through innovation and technology. His vision targets growth in cutting-edge industries including semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy, biotechnology, and cryptocurrency. These proposals align with his background as a successful pharmaceutical entrepreneur who built a nearly billion-dollar fortune in the biotech sector before entering politics.

“I am honoured to officially announce my candidacy to serve as the next Governor of Ohio. I will lead Ohio to become the state of excellence in America,” Ramaswamy declared at his campaign launch.

Education reform features prominently in Ramaswamy’s platform, particularly his proposal to introduce a merit-based pay system for public school educators. He also advocates for work requirements for Medicaid recipients, positioning himself as a conservative reformer who will implement policies that haven’t been tried in other states. These positions reflect his broader political identity as a supporter of Trump’s “America First” agenda and his self-portrayal as a political outsider bringing fresh perspectives to government.

Tweets by VivekGRamaswamy

Competitive Primary Race Taking Shape

The Republican primary field is already forming around Ramaswamy’s candidacy. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and former school board member Heather Brazell-Hill have also declared their intentions to seek the nomination. The race has quickly sparked debate over important policy positions, particularly regarding the candidates’ stances on COVID-19 management. On the Democratic side, former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton has emerged as the sole candidate thus far.

“There are conservative solutions and approaches that have not yet been tried in any of the other 50 states. I want Ohio to set the standard,” Ramaswamy explained about his vision for the state.

Ramaswamy’s candidacy follows his unsuccessful but notable bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, which elevated his national profile. He subsequently accepted an appointment from Trump to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency with Elon Musk, a position he recently left to pursue elected office in Ohio. His entry into the gubernatorial race comes after the withdrawal of presumed frontrunner Jon Husted, creating an opening for a high-profile candidate with national connections to emerge as a leading contender.