CLEVELAND — Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur, is set to announce his candidacy for governor of Ohio, outlining a platform that includes reforming public schools, reducing regulations, and cutting spending. Drawing comparisons to his previous work with President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Ramaswamy insists his vision for Ohio is broader and distinct. While his ties to DOGE could both bolster and hinder his campaign, Ramaswamy is confident that his ideas will resonate with Ohioans, emphasizing his commitment to leading from the front and implementing efficient governance practices at the state level.
Ramaswamy’s decision to prioritize his gubernatorial bid over his role in DOGE has led to a shake-up in the Republican field in Ohio, with Attorney General Dave Yost and State Treasurer Robert Sprague adjusting their plans in response. As Ramaswamy gears up for his campaign launch in Cincinnati, the state awaits a dynamic and competitive election season, with speculation also surrounding the potential candidacy of Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel.
Overall, Ramaswamy’s entry into the governor race has injected new energy and debate into Ohio’s political landscape, setting the stage for a closely watched and transformative campaign.
Before serving two terms as Ohio’s elected auditor and two terms as attorney general, Yost campaigned with the slogan “Peace, love, and skinny government.” In an interview, Yost proudly stated that he was “DOGE before DOGE was cool.” He emphasized his practical experience, stating, “It’s the difference between somebody who can give a speech and somebody who can do a job. Not to denigrate my ability to give a speech, but the key is, I’ve been on the front lines working for the goals that Ohioans share.” Yost also critiqued his opponent, Ramaswamy, describing him as someone who struggles to follow through on political commitments and portraying him as an amateur seeking various positions without commitment.
Yost highlighted his accomplishments in fighting against federal overreach and protecting the Constitution, positioning himself as the candidate with bold leadership prepared to lead Ohio. He expressed concerns about Ramaswamy’s intentions and ability to fulfill responsibilities. Close advisers to Vice President JD Vance, some with connections to Trump, recently joined Ramaswamy’s campaign, adding a national profile to his effort. However, Ramaswamy remains a political newcomer compared to established figures like DeWine and Brown in Ohio politics.
Internal polling indicated both Yost and Ramaswamy’s popularity among GOP voters in Ohio, emphasizing the potential impact of a Trump endorsement on the race. While Ramaswamy declined to comment on his confidence in receiving Trump’s support, Yost expressed hope for a conversation with Trump and anticipated his endorsement. Ramaswamy’s presidential bid in 2024 generated speculation about his future political ambitions, eventually leading to his consideration for Ohio’s gubernatorial race.
Ramaswamy, despite lacking prior elected office experience, has built political relationships in Ohio and has been encouraged by state leaders to pursue the governorship. He envisions Ohio as a leader in national revival and stresses the importance of effective governance at the state level.
Ramswamy outlined ambitious goals of “energy dominance, manufacturing dominance, and AI dominance,” along with specific policy proposals. He proposed phasing out the state’s income tax and revamping K-12 education by advocating for homeschooling and introducing a merit-based pay system for public school teachers. He emphasized the need for merit-based pay for teachers, principals, administrators, and superintendents, emphasizing that the best educators should be compensated accordingly to attract top talent from across the country.
While the ideas of eliminating income tax and implementing merit-based pay have been discussed among previous Republican governors and in the state legislature, they have never been enacted due to opposition from teachers unions and lobbying groups in Columbus, the state capital. Ramaswamy believes that the current political climate is more conducive to these reforms and views them as issues that can unite parents and communities across the state.
Ramaswamy expressed his commitment to prioritizing student achievement rather than picking fights with any specific groups, asserting the need for fresh leadership to drive meaningful change. He believes that traditional politicians may not be equipped to bring about the necessary reforms and sees his candidacy as a departure from the norm.
Regarding potential future White House aspirations, Ramaswamy pledged to serve a full four-year term, effectively ruling out a run in 2028 and any potential primary challenge with Vance. He acknowledged that his ambitious agenda would likely require two terms to fully implement and expressed his dedication to seeing it through.
