Vivek Ramaswamy Is Running for Governor in Ohio

He was originally tapped to help lead DOGE, but stepped down at the start of the Trump administration. His gubernatorial campaign was widely anticipated.

Vivek Ramaswamy AP - 25055850495721

Kareem Elgazzar/AP

Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, a major ally to President Donald Trump, kicked off on Monday his bid for the Ohio governor’s seat. He used Trump’s early initiatives as president, like Department of Government Efficiency cuts, as the backdrop for his own vision for the state of Ohio.

“If we’re all going to be saved as a people it is gonna be because all of us here step up and save ourselves. And that starts with the states,” Ramaswamy said. “President Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio.”

Ramaswamy has never held elected office, but he has broad name recognition. He was tapped by Trump to lead DOGE alongside Elon Musk, though he left on Trump’s first day in office — likely to focus on his governor’s bid and amid reported clashes with Elon Musk, Trumpworld and Washington, D.C.’s new leadership.