Vivek Ramaswamy Announces Bid for Ohio Governor in 2026

Image credits: Jamie Kelter Davis for NBC News

Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, has announced his bid for governor of Ohio in 2026, promising to bring about significant changes to the state's public schools, regulations, and spending. Ramaswamy, who was born and raised in Ohio, made the announcement at a rally in Cincinnati, where he outlined his vision for the state's future. He plans to focus on issues such as education reform, cutting regulations, and reducing government spending, which he believes will help to make Ohio a more attractive place to live and work.

Ramaswamy's entrance into the race comes after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced his candidacy last month to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. Former Ohio health director Amy Acton is also running for the Democratic nomination. Ramaswamy's campaign has already gained significant attention, with several high-profile endorsements from Republican leaders, including Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Utah Sen. Mike Lee. Additionally, Ramaswamy has been traveling across the state, attending events such as a Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game and a comedy show in Columbus, where he has been meeting with voters and promoting his campaign.

Ramaswamy's association with President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, could be both a blessing and a curse for his campaign. While it may help to position him as a change agent, it could also be a liability in a state with a sizable number of federal employees and concerns about the future of federal Medicaid funding. Ramaswamy has stated that he intends to focus on issues that are specific to Ohio, such as economic development and infrastructure improvement, rather than simply following the Trump administration's agenda. He has also emphasized the importance of working with local leaders and stakeholders to address the state's unique challenges.

Some of the key policy points that Ramaswamy has proposed include: * Phasing out the state's income tax * Implementing a merit-based pay system for public school teachers * Promoting homeschooling and increasing funding for charter schools * Reducing regulations on businesses and industries * Investing in infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges Ramaswamy believes that these policies will help to make Ohio a more competitive and attractive place to live and work, and that they will ultimately benefit the state's economy and its residents.

Despite his lack of experience in elected office, Ramaswamy has cultivated political relationships in Ohio in recent years. He served on the board of InnovateOhio, a tech-focused agency that was founded and led by former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted. Ramaswamy has also been endorsed by several high-profile Republicans, including Trump, who has praised him as "something SPECIAL" and a "very good person" who "truly loves our Country." However, Ramaswamy still faces some hurdles in the GOP primary, including Yost's rival campaign and the potential entry of other candidates, such as former Ohio State University head football coach Jim Tressel.