Republican billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy has officially launched his campaign for governor of Ohio, just a month after resigning from US President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The announcement came on Monday, marking his return to electoral politics after previously running in the 2024 presidential primaries.
Ramaswamy, who co-led DOGE alongside tech mogul Elon Musk, emphasized his commitment to reviving Ohio’s economic and political strength. “President Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio,” he said during his campaign kickoff speech.
Following his exit from the Republican primary race, Ramaswamy endorsed Trump, who later appointed him to DOGE, a commission aimed at reducing federal staffing and spending. His departure from the agency in late January fueled speculation about his gubernatorial ambitions.
Trump gave his full backing to Ramaswamy’s candidacy, writing on his Truth Social platform, “I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL. He’s Young, Strong, and Smart! He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!”
Ramaswamy has drawn both support and criticism from conservatives, particularly over his stance on employment visas for highly skilled foreign workers. In December, he defended the hiring of such workers, arguing that American culture prioritizes social popularity over intellectual excellence, which he claimed puts the country at a disadvantage against global competitors like China.
The Ohio gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
