CINCINNATI, Ohio (Diya TV) — Biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy has formally launched his candidacy for the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election with endorsements from former President Donald Trump and DOGE leader Elon Musk.
Trump had endorsed Ramaswamy on Truth Social, saying, “He’s Young, Strong, and Smart!” and said he would be a “GREAT Governor of Ohio” with his “Complete and total Endorsement.” The endorsement is a reversal of Trump’s earlier words during the January 2024 Republican primary, when he slammed Ramaswamy as “not MAGA” and called him out for “deceitful campaign tricks.”
Ramaswamy, 39, kicked off his campaign in Cincinnati, touting his dedication to making Ohio the “best state in the nation.” His platform is to impose work requirements for Medicaid, bring merit-based compensation for public school teachers, and eliminate income and property taxes. He also hopes to bring in industries like semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear power, biotech, and Bitcoin to the state.
Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), also supported Ramaswamy, posting on X, “Good luck, you have my full endorsement!” Ramaswamy replied, “Elon, thank you. Let’s roll!” Interestingly, Ramaswamy was earlier co-leader of DOGE but left after a short stint amid reports of internal tensions.
Vice President JD Vance, a former Ohio U.S. Senator, will be Ramaswamy’s chief political advisor. Ramaswamy’s candidacy comes after Jon Husted dropped out of the gubernatorial race to seek a U.S. Senate seat. Other contenders in the race are Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, businesswoman Heather Hill, and Democrat Dr. Amy Acton.
While launching his campaign, Ramaswamy spoke to supporters, saying, “I will make Ohio the best state in America to start and grow a business. We will rip up every unnecessary regulation in this state.” He also pointed out that he would repeal unnecessary regulations and put forward a plan that for every new regulation that was added, at least ten would be cut.
Ramaswamy’s political career involves a 2024 presidential run, where he supported Trump after he suspended his campaign. Ramaswamy, if elected, would be the first Indian American governor in Ohio’s history.
