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Ramaswamy will face a slew of other Republicans in his bid to become the next Governor of Ohio after quitting the Elon Musk-led DOGE last month.
Vivek Ramaswamy officially announced his bid to run for Ohio Governor. (Reuters)
Indian-American entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has officially announced his candidacy for the Ohio Governor’s post, weeks after quitting President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“I am honoured to officially announce my candidacy to serve as the next Governor of Ohio,” he said. “President Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home, who will revive our conviction in Ohio.”
“I am honoured to announce that I am running to be the next governor of a great state at the heart of the greatest nation known to mankind – the state where I was born and raised, the state where Apoorva and I raise our two sons today – a state whose best days are still ahead,” he added.
His entry comes with challenges from the Republican camp as Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has also announced his candidacy to succeed incumbent Governor Mike DeWine in a race that is likely to draw other GOP contenders. From the Democratic Party, ex-Ohio health director Amy Acton is in the fray.
The Indian-American businessman promised to lead Ohio to be the top state in the country to raise a family, provide children with world-class education and grow a business.
“We will shred every excess regulation in this state. For every new regulation that gets on the books under my administration, we will require rescinding at least ten others before that regulation hits the books,” he said in a rousing speech.
Ramaswamy’s Split With DOGE
Ramaswamy was tapped by Trump to lead the DOGE with Tesla CEO Elon Musk after the US presidential elections. However, his involvement with the cost-cutting department became uncertain as Trump’s inauguration neared.
Multiple reports suggested Ramaswamy’s differences with Elon Musk caused the departure. Moreover, he sparked controversy with social media posts seemingly criticising American cultural values and clashing with other hardline Republicans over H-1B visas for foreign workers.
Ramaswamy’s name came up in discussions when Dewine began deliberating whom to appoint to the US Senate seat ahead of Vice President JD Vance’s swearing-in. Trump privately encouraged Ramaswamy to consider the appointment and the latter held talks with the governor, sources told CNN.
However, Ramaswamy was ultimately passed over in favour of Ohio Lt Governor Jon Husted, after which the entrepreneur intensified efforts for his 2026 gubernatorial campaign from Ohio.
Ramaswamy, who is Hindu and the son of Indian immigrants, was raised in Cincinnati. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in biology before earning a law degree from Yale University. He is married to surgeon Apoorva Tewari and they have two children.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
