Vivek Ramaswamy, a 39-year-old biotech billionaire and former co-chair of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative, secured a crucial endorsement from the Ohio Republican Party on Friday.
His victory in earning the party’s backing for the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial race is particularly notable given that he faced formidable rivals, including those with deeper political experience and broader name recognition.
The endorsement, which comes nearly a year before the primaries, is a significant boost to Ramaswamy’s campaign and an indication of his growing influence within the Republican Party, largely aided by Trump’s support.
Ramaswamy, who has made waves in national politics, including a run for president in 2024, has faced critics and skeptics who questioned his political inexperience.
However, with the backing of Trump and a strong campaign strategy, Ramaswamy has overcome these challenges, positioning himself as a leading contender for Ohio’s top political position.
The endorsement, which was approved by the Ohio GOP’s central committee, comes after a highly unusual but politically strategic move by Trump’s team. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., posted a last-minute message on the social platform X urging the party’s members to support Ramaswamy, writing, “I understand that early endorsements aren’t the norm, but these are not ordinary times.
We have a country to save, and we don’t have any time or money to waste.” The younger Trump’s rallying call was aimed at speeding up the endorsement process in what Trump’s team sees as critical for consolidating political power before the election.
Lara Trump, the former co-chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the president’s daughter-in-law, also weighed in on the matter, dialing into the meeting to provide her thoughts.
While she did not outright call for a vote in favor of Ramaswamy, she did emphasize the importance of unity within the GOP, reminding the committee that “Unite, unite, unite!” is the Republican Party’s motto heading into the 2026 election.
This statement came as a reminder of the need for cohesion within the party, especially as the GOP prepares for what could be a contentious primary race.
The closed-door vote was a highly sensitive issue, with some members of the party objecting to an early endorsement. They argued that taking sides in the race so far ahead of the primary would be unfair and premature.
Term-limited Governor Mike DeWine, who formally heads the Ohio GOP, voiced concerns, cautioning that “a lifetime” in politics can change circumstances, and nearly a year is an eternity in the volatile world of politics.
Ramaswamy’s endorsement came despite Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s lieutenant governor, Jim Tressel, breaking his silence late Thursday to announce that he is also considering a bid for governor.
Tressel, a beloved figure in Ohio due to his success as the former head football coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, brings a strong sports and cultural background that could resonate deeply with Ohio voters.
His popularity among the university’s extensive alumni network and Buckeye Nation is undeniable, and his entrance into the race could add a dynamic element to the GOP gubernatorial field.
Tressel’s announcement further complicates the political landscape for Ramaswamy, as Tressel’s stature within Ohio may prove difficult to overcome. However, Ramaswamy’s backing from Trump could provide him with the momentum he needs to compete against established figures like Tressel.
While the official filing deadline for the 2026 gubernatorial race isn’t until February 4, 2026, Tressel’s delay in entering the race could indicate that Ramaswamy will have significant early support heading into the primary season.
The Ohio GOP endorsement, however, was a blow to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, 68, who had been considered one of Ramaswamy’s most prominent rivals. Yost, who is in his fourth term as attorney general, has built a well-known reputation within Ohio, especially among conservative voters.
His campaign had hoped to attract support from Republican voters who are skeptical of Ramaswamy’s political experience and outsider status.
In response to the early endorsement of Ramaswamy, Yost’s campaign manager, Emily Hottinger, expressed disappointment but indicated that Yost would continue to evaluate his path forward.
In a statement, Hottinger said, “The Attorney General is going to take a few days to consult with key supporters about the path forward, but the people of Ohio deserve a choice, not a premature coronation of an untested candidate.”
Yost’s comments reflect the tension within the Ohio Republican Party, where established figures like Yost feel that Ramaswamy’s lack of political experience makes him an untested candidate unworthy of early backing.
The endorsement marks a significant pivot for the Ohio GOP, who, up until now, had been uncertain about who could lead the state in the wake of DeWine’s term.
Ramaswamy, for his part, seems undeterred by the controversy and competitive nature of the race. Following the endorsement, he framed his candidacy as part of a broader ideological shift in Ohio politics.
Speaking to reporters after the vote, Ramaswamy claimed that the state party’s endorsement put his campaign in an “incredibly strong” position heading into 2026.
He emphasized that his campaign isn’t about a left versus right narrative but about an “up versus down” mentality that seeks to improve Ohio’s future by addressing issues such as population decline, energy shortages, and gaps in the state’s educational system.
“The way we’re running this campaign is really not about left versus right,” Ramaswamy told reporters. “It is about up versus down. And we in Ohio choose up.” He outlined his plans to present concrete solutions to challenges such as Ohio’s stagnant population growth, rising energy needs, and educational disparities.
His message appears to be resonating with voters who are looking for a change in direction and a candidate who can offer fresh perspectives on these critical issues.
Ramaswamy’s background as a successful biotech entrepreneur gives him an outsider appeal, which he hopes to leverage in his gubernatorial campaign. Before entering the political arena, he co-founded the biotech firm Roivant Sciences, which focuses on developing innovative medicines.
His experience as a business leader and outsider could help differentiate him from other more traditional politicians in the race, though his lack of political experience remains a point of contention for his critics.
Earlier in his career, Ramaswamy had shown interest in running for Ohio’s vacant U.S. Senate seat, which was ultimately filled by Jon Husted, DeWine’s lieutenant governor.
Now, with the gubernatorial race wide open, Ramaswamy sees an opportunity to further cement his place in Ohio politics. Ramaswamy had previously shown interest in challenging his fellow Cincinnatian, J.D. Vance, for the presidency in 2028.
However, with Husted now vying for the Senate seat, Ramaswamy may focus his attention on Ohio’s gubernatorial race instead.
Despite the setback, Yost and Tressel have not abandoned their bids for governor. Tressel, with his extensive political appeal and sports background, is poised to attract significant support from Ohio’s conservative base.
His recognition as a championship-winning coach, as well as his connections to the Ohio State University alumni network, could serve as powerful assets in a race that is likely to center around the state’s economic future.
Yost, meanwhile, will need to recalibrate his strategy in the face of Ramaswamy’s early momentum. His years of experience as Ohio’s attorney general have given him deep knowledge of state governance and legal matters, and his candidacy will likely focus on maintaining law and order, a popular theme in Ohio’s conservative politics.
The Ohio GOP primary for governor, therefore, is shaping up to be a contentious race that will see a battle between an established political figure like Yost and the outsider appeal of Ramaswamy.
As the GOP moves into the 2026 election cycle, the race for governor is likely to serve as a bellwether for broader shifts within the Republican Party. With Trump’s influence over the party continuing to grow, the endorsement of Ramaswamy marks a key moment in the GOP’s efforts to appeal to a new generation of voters and candidates.
At the same time, established political figures like Yost and Tressel are working to maintain their influence within the party, particularly as they navigate the challenges posed by an outsider candidate like Ramaswamy.
The Ohio GOP’s early endorsement of Ramaswamy has set the stage for a fierce political battle that will only intensify as the 2026 election cycle approaches. With both the primary and general election still a long way off, the race for governor is already proving to be one of the most closely watched in the nation.
