COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is planning to run for governor of Ohio, according to multiple media reports.
The Washington Post first reported the news Friday morning, citing “two people familiar with his plans.” This reporting was later confirmed by The Hill. The Post said Ramasway, 39, planned to announce his pick after Gov. Mike DeWine announced he would choose Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to replace Vice President-elect JD Vance in the U.S. Senate.
While Ramaswamy was reportedly being considered for the position, DeWine chose Husted on Friday afternoon. DeWine’s term ends in 2026 and he cannot run for re-election. Ramaswamy would probably compete against each other Attorney General Dave Yostincluding in primary school. Former state health director under Democrats Amy Acton has announced she will run.
Ramaswamy is co-chair of an advisory board founded by President-elect Donald Trump along with Elon Musk called ” Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). One of the sources said he plans to “achieve success” at DOGE and then announce his candidacy for governor.
While Ramaswamy challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, he has long been an ally of the president-elect. He endorsed Trump after he ended his bid in January.
The Upper Arlington resident and Cincinnati native founded biotech company Roivant Sciences in 2014 and served as CEO until his retirement in 2021. In November 2024, Ramaswamy was ranked by Forbes as the “second richest person entering the Republican presidential primary”, trailing only Trump and estimating his net worth at about $1 billion.
While 2024 marked his first presidential run, Ramaswamy has written two books on American politics, including the New York Times bestseller “Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam” and “Nation of Victims: Identity Politics, the Death of Merit.” “. and the path back to excellence.”
