 "'He's something special': Vivek Ramaswamy launches Ohio governor bid; Trump, Musk endorse him. Reuters")
Businessman and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has announced he is running in the elections for governor of Ohio in 2026.
“President Trump is reviving our conviction in America; we require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio, and that is why today I am honoured to announce that I am running to be the next governor of a great state at the heart of the greatest nation known to man,” Ramaswamy said.
The announcement came during a rally on Monday in Cincinnati.
In November, Trump appointed Ramaswamy and Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. However, Ramaswamy left the role after Trump’s inauguration in January.
There were reports indicating that he planned to run for governor of Ohio.
After his announcement, Tesla CEO Elon Musk endorsed him for the election.
“Good luck, you have my full endorsement!” Musk said in a post on X, in reference to Ramaswamy’s candidacy.
Candidates in fray
Republican Dave Yost, Ohio’s Attorney General and former state auditor, has announced his candidacy for the election. Democrat Amy Acton, a former Ohio health director, is also running.
Indian origin, biotech entrepreneur
Indian-origin Ramaswamy is a biotech entrepreneur and businessman from Cincinnati.
Trump’s pick to lead Doge
In November 2024, President Trump appointed Ramaswamy and Elon Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), a task force aimed at reducing governmental waste. However, Ramaswamy resigned from this role shortly after Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election is scheduled for 3 November 2026 to elect the state’s next governor.