Vivek Ramaswamy Enters Ohio Gubernatorial Race with Trump and Musk Endorsements

Man in black suit smiling, hand on chin.

Vivek Ramaswamy, with powerful endorsements from Trump and Musk, just shocked the political establishment by entering Ohio’s governor race with an audacious plan to entirely eliminate income and property taxes while transforming the state into America’s innovation hub.

Key Takeaways

  • Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has officially entered the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race with endorsements from Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
  • Ramaswamy’s bold economic vision includes eliminating income and property taxes while focusing on semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy, biotechnology, and cryptocurrency.
  • His education reform plans feature merit-based pay for teachers and work requirements for Medicaid recipients.
  • The 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $960 million positions himself as a political outsider committed to Trump’s “America First” agenda.
  • Ramaswamy will face Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in the Republican primary and potentially Democrat Dr. Amy Acton in the general election.

Trump and Musk Back Ohio’s Newest Gubernatorial Contender

Vivek Ramaswamy, the 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur who briefly challenged Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has officially launched his campaign to become Ohio’s next governor. The announcement comes with substantial political firepower as both President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk have publicly endorsed his candidacy. Ramaswamy aims to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine in the 2026 election, bringing his business acumen and staunch conservative principles to Ohio’s highest office.

Trump’s endorsement came in characteristic fashion through a social media post praising Ramaswamy’s qualities. “VIVEK RAMASWAMY is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio. I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL,” Trump wrote, adding, “He’s Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country.” The endorsement carries significant weight in a state Trump won handily in both 2016 and 2020, potentially giving Ramaswamy a substantial advantage in the Republican primary.

An Economic Vision Built on Innovation and Tax Elimination

Ramaswamy’s economic platform represents one of the most ambitious conservative reform agendas in the country. Central to his vision is the complete elimination of both income and property taxes in Ohio, a proposal that would fundamentally transform the state’s revenue structure. This dramatic tax overhaul aims to make Ohio significantly more attractive to businesses and workers while forcing a substantial reduction in government spending. His economic revitalization plan focuses on developing high-growth sectors including semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy, biotechnology, and cryptocurrency.

“I am honoured to officially announce my candidacy to serve as the next Governor of Ohio. I will lead Ohio to become the state of excellence in America,” Ramaswamy declared at his campaign launch in Cincinnati, emphasizing his commitment to reimagining what state governance can achieve.

Elon Musk, who along with Ramaswamy was tapped by Trump to co-chair the Department of Government Efficiency initiative, offered his unequivocal support: “Good luck, you have my full endorsement!” Ramaswamy stepped down from his role at the efficiency department to pursue the governorship, bringing that same government-slashing mindset to his state campaign.

Conservative Reform Agenda for Education and Welfare

Beyond economic policies, Ramaswamy has outlined significant reforms for Ohio’s education and welfare systems. His plan includes implementing merit-based pay for public school educators, a departure from traditional seniority-based compensation that has long been protected by teachers’ unions. This performance-based approach aligns with his broader philosophy of rewarding excellence and results rather than tenure or credentials. Additionally, Ramaswamy advocates for introducing work requirements for Medicaid recipients, a conservative priority designed to reduce dependency on government assistance.

“There are conservative solutions and approaches that have not yet been tried in any of the other 50 states. I want Ohio to set the standard,” Ramaswamy stated, highlighting his ambition to make Ohio a laboratory for conservative governance innovations.

These education and welfare reforms reflect Ramaswamy’s commitment to smaller government and individual responsibility, themes he emphasized during his presidential campaign. His positions on these issues will likely resonate with Ohio’s conservative base while drawing sharp contrasts with his Democratic opposition.

A Competitive Race Taking Shape

The Ohio Republican primary is already shaping up to be highly competitive, with Attorney General Dave Yost having declared his candidacy. Former school board member Heather Brazell-Hill has also entered the race, though Ramaswamy and Yost are widely considered the frontrunners. On the Democratic side, former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton stands as the sole declared candidate, setting up a potential general election match-up that would pit Ramaswamy’s business background against Acton’s public health expertise.

“President Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio,” Ramaswamy stated, explicitly tying his campaign to Trump’s political movement.

The gubernatorial contest has already sparked heated online debate, particularly regarding the candidates’ positions on COVID-19 policies. Ramaswamy has been critical of pandemic restrictions, while Acton served as health director during Ohio’s initial COVID-19 response. This fundamental difference in approach to public health emergencies promises to be a central issue in the campaign as it progresses toward the 2026 election.

Sources:

  1. Trump, Musk endorse Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio governor
  2. Elon Musk responds as Vivek Ramaswamy enters Ohio Governor’s race: ‘You have my…’ – Hindustan Times
  3. Ramaswamy, ex-Doge co-lead, announces run for Ohio governor
  4. Vivek Ramaswamy announces run for Ohio governor, endorsed by Trump and Musk – LifeSite

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