CLEVELAND — Vivek Ramaswamy’s recent move toward a potential run for governor of Ohio did not immediately impact the Republican field as one might expect given his close ties to President-elect Donald Trump. Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur set to lead Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk, is anticipated to officially launch his campaign soon, according to sources familiar with his plans.
Despite Gov. Mike DeWine’s appointment of Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to the Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance, other prominent Republicans like Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and state Treasurer Robert Sprague are still actively preparing their own gubernatorial campaigns. Following Husted’s appointment, both Yost and Sprague have reaffirmed and intensified their intentions to run for governor.
Yost has enlisted Justin Clark, a seasoned campaign strategist with ties to Trump, to guide his upcoming gubernatorial bid. Meanwhile, Sprague has filed paperwork indicating his intent to seek the governorship, with plans to formally announce his candidacy soon.
While Yost and Sprague remain formidable contenders, Ramaswamy’s substantial personal wealth and strong connections to Trump could position him as a formidable competitor in the race, according to a seasoned Ohio Republican strategist. Husted, previously seen as a frontrunner for the governorship, was redirected to the Senate seat by DeWine to prevent a contentious primary battle among GOP candidates.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a resident near Columbus who briefly challenged former President Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, maintains a cordial relationship with Jon Husted. Ramaswamy served on the board of InnovateOhio, a state government initiative established by Husted during his tenure as lieutenant governor. It remains uncertain whether Ramaswamy will need to step down from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, prior to launching a gubernatorial campaign. Trump has indicated that DOGE will not function as an official federal agency, potentially allowing individuals like Ramaswamy and Elon Musk to continue pursuing their external business and political endeavors.
Speaking to NBC News last Friday, Husted mentioned that he intends to wait for the gubernatorial candidates to emerge before deciding on potential endorsements. He emphasized his longstanding positive rapport with Vivek, stating, “I look forward to hearing what his plans are.” Ohio has not elected a Democratic governor since 2006. In his 2022 re-election bid, Governor Mike DeWine secured victory over Democrat Nan Whaley, the former mayor of Dayton, by a significant margin of 25 points. Trump has also enjoyed comfortable wins in the state on three separate occasions.
Dr. Amy Acton, a Democrat and physician who rose to prominence early in the pandemic as DeWine’s prominent health director, recently announced her candidacy for governor. In response to the news concerning Husted and Ramaswamy, Acton affirmed her commitment to addressing the struggles faced by Ohioans. She asserted, “Ohioans need a Governor who will solve problems and give us all a little breathing room, not another self-interested politician.”
