Things move quickly in the world of politics. One moment you’re being asked by President-elect Donald Trump to work with Elon Musk as co-chair of the non-governmental but hugely influential Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the next you’re thinking that running for higher office sounds like fun .
This appears to be the case with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who is reportedly seeking public office in his home state of Ohio. As RedState reported Friday, Ramaswamy is said to have campaigned strenuous in recent days to be named as Vice President-elect JD Vance’s successor in the Senate, an effort that was ultimately unsuccessful as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine chose someone else .
There was intense speculation about who DeWine would appoint to replace Vance in the 2026 special election, and many considered former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to be a candidate for the post. As it turned out, DeWine chose his own lieutenant governor, Jon Husted, to Capitol Hill.
It could be this DeWine who isn’t exactly Buddy with President-elect Donald Trump, decided to look outside of Trump world for the newest senator. However, that doesn’t mean Ramaswamy doesn’t have other options, as there is also a gubernatorial race coming up in Ohio in 2026 and DeWine cannot run again due to term limits.
According to several, running for governor in his home state seems to be exactly what Ramaswamy has in mind Reportsan announcement could follow very soon.
Ohio entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy will announce a run for Ohio governor “shortly,” a source close to Ramaswamy confirmed.
Ramaswamy, who grew up in the Cincinnati area and currently lives in Columbus, may have been actively trying to grab Vance’s Senate seat, but he also “sees himself as a leader.” So it makes sense that he had his sights set on the governor’s race.
It also makes a lot of sense for him to make the move now, since he has a fundraising machine through his presidential candidacy and his public profile, particularly in the realm of politics, has never been higher. Add to that the fact that he is likely to have the full support of Trump, and it could be now or never for Ramaswamy.
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Of course, he’s only 39, so he still has plenty of time to run, but he’s clever enough to know that it’s best to act when political values are high. And it’s strenuous to imagine a scenario where its value could be any higher.
And while he hasn’t announced anything official yet, Ramaswamy has been busy picking up implicit gubernatorial endorsements from Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC).
Thanks @VoteMarsha! https://t.co/9DfYe4krWI
– Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 17, 2025
Thanks @NancyMace! https://t.co/9ymXX8RGel
– Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 17, 2025
Running for office apparently does not mean that Ramaswamy intends to shirk his DOGE duties. Instead, he appears to be planning to utilize DOGE to bolster his political ambitions and serve as a stepping stone to higher office. After to a political activist in Ohio: “Vivek’s basic plan remains.” [the] the same thing: achieving success on DOGE and then announcing a run for governor shortly.”
