Vivek Ramaswamy announces run for Ohio governor, Trump endorses

• Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, announced he is running for governor in Ohio. During his speech, Ramaswamy said he wants to significantly improve Ohio’s economy, education and culture. 

• Ramaswamy’s pledges included ending property and income taxes, implementing merit-based pay for teachers and restarting work requirements for Medicaid and welfare. 

• Ramaswamy enters a field of candidates to replace Gov. Mike DeWine, R, who is term-limited. 

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Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, announced he is running for governor of Ohio. During his speech, Ramaswamy said he wants to significantly improve Ohio’s economy, education and culture. 

On the economy, Ramaswamy spoke of Ohio’s once dominant rubber, glass and steel industries. He said he wants Ohio to lead the way again in what he described as “sectors of the future” –– semiconductors, aerospace and artificial intelligence. 

“President [Donald] Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home that will revive our conviction of Ohio,” Ramaswamy said.

President Trump endorsed Ramaswamy soon after his speech.

I am honored to officially announce my candidacy to serve as the next Governor of Ohio. pic.twitter.com/HFIR3dLspe

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 24, 2025

Ramaswamy pledged to eliminate income and property taxes in the state. He also wants to persuade corporations leaving Delaware for states like Texas to come to Ohio. 

In addition, he said he wants to restart work requirements for Medicaid and welfare. 

On education, he vowed to implement merit-based pay for teachers, principals, superintendents and administrators. 

He also said high school seniors should pass the same civics test that the federal government gives to immigrants working to become naturalized citizens. 

“I will lead Ohio to be the top state in the country where we give our kids the toolkit to think of themselves not as victims but as victors in a competitive global economy,” Ramaswamy said.  

Republicans have performed very well in Ohio in recent years. President Trump won the state by 11 points, and the GOP holds supermajorities in both state legislature chambers, a majority on the state Supreme Court and every statewide executive office. 

Ramaswamy will face a competitive primary. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and entrepreneur Heather Hill also announced their candidacies. A recent poll by a conservative group found that Ramaswamy has more than 50% support from likely primary voters.  Former State Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is running as a Democrat.