Despite the gubernatorial contest in Ohio for 2026 being far off, potential candidates from both dominant parties are shedding their reluctances and making their ambitions known. Vivek Ramaswamy, an optimist from the Republican party, who we had a chance to converse with during his recent trip to Cleveland, has joined this fray. The 39-year-old businessman and entrepreneur surfaced in the political landscape three years prior, as he vied for the GOP’s presidential ticket, although he later withdrew and threw his weight behind Donald Trump. He was then chosen alongside entrepreneur Elon Musk to helm the Department of Government Efficiency, coined DOGE, before departing at the start of this year to declare his intention to run for governor.
Exploring the lengthy lineage of past governors of Ohio who held prior elective roles, we probed Ramaswamy about what makes him a suitable candidate. He remarked, ‘A contemporary leadership approach is what the state needs at this critical moment. My aim is to guide Ohio towards the future, and when reflecting upon our history, we realize that we were the pioneers of the first industrial revolution, the richest state in the nation, and the place to be. While this position might have slipped away over the past few decades, I am set on reclaiming it. Having an entrepreneur leading us, someone outside the established political sphere, will be key to stimulating economic development within the state.’
Ramaswamy declared a vision where Ohio would set the standard for educational excellence, arguing that this would rekindle the state’s economic fortunes. He said, ‘The United States is in the grip of an educational attainment crisis. I want Ohio to lead the nation out of it. My own background resonates with this vision. As a result of attending public schools in Cincinnati till eighth grade and then graduating from St. Xavier High School, I have experienced first-hand the opportunities a solid education provides.’
Ramaswamy’s qualifications were explored on the backdrop of a business decision last fall, where his company, Strive Asset Management, was relocated from Columbus to Dallas. While Ramaswamy had already exited his CEO and board roles by the time of the move, he sees the relocation as a catalyst to his gubernatorial bid. He explained, ‘The new CEO was finalizing a deal with a Texas-based company, which required a decision on the most conducive business environment to host the joint entity. Texas won over, which fuelled my desire to ensure Ohio becomes a hub more suited to businesses than Texas, or anywhere else in America.’
He proposed that creating a more attractive business environment would require abolishing the state’s capital gains tax. ‘This would lay the foundation towards a zero income tax system,’ he asserted. ‘Revoking the capital gains tax in Ohio is highly beneficial, considering that the state does not rely substantially on its revenue. However, doing so would serve as a magnet for other entrepreneurs and capital owners looking to relocate.’
Ramaswamy stated the need to transcend the traditional political language of left versus right, advocating instead for Ohio to rise from its challenges. He stated, ‘I aim to instigate a revolution of pragmatism, especially concerning our business climate. While we may be perceived politically as a red state, we need not succumb to unnecessary bureaucratic red tape.’
When confronted with the contentious issue of abortion ban proposals put forth by a few Columbus lawmakers, Ramaswamy offered a nuanced stance. He clarified, ‘My understanding, albeit limited, is that a couple of neophyte legislators may have initiated this proposal. However, several experienced voices in the pro-life community have rightly pointed out the absence of any legal basis for such a ban in this state. My focus is on fostering both family formation and respect for life.’
Ramaswamy places high importance on formulating strategies favoring family formation. The father of two young boys remarked that such policies would lay the foundation for stronger futures. His wife, a throat surgeon at Ohio State’s cancer hospital, is also an advocate for these issues.
Ramaswamy’s campaign was met with atypical early endorsements from both the Ohio Republican Party and former President Trump. This, in turn, caused Attorney General Dave Yost to withdraw from the nomination race. The element of unpredictability remains with the Lt. Governor Jim Tressel’s silence on whether he’ll offer his candidacy. Ramaswamy, however, remains optimistic, asserting, ‘Our unity as a Republican party is stronger than it has ever been, which is likely to surprise Democrats who were expecting a divisive primary.’
When questioned whether this unity would form an insurmountable barrier for those contemplating a run against him for the nomination, Ramaswamy expressed high confidence that he would be the Republican nominee and potentially earn the honor of leading the state.
Among the Democrats, Dr. Amy Acton, Governor DeWine’s former Director of the Department of Health, who earned fame during the COVID pandemic, is the only declared candidate thus far. Sherrod Brown, a former Senator from Ohio, made no commitment when asked if he would run for the governor’s office. On the prospect of facing a Democratic nominee, Ramaswamy stated, ‘I would certainly prefer a contentious Democratic primary. However, the focus here should not be on the opposition or who my opponent is. The fundamental question should be, what goals am I running for? What are we striving to achieve?’
Ramaswamy guards an open mindset towards ideas from all corners, asserting, ‘In the event that some Democrats propose beneficial ideas in any domain, I’ll consider them. We understand the importance of hearing from both sides. I’ve previously held conversations with protestors at our events and we’ve seen valuable dialogue result. I will continue to uphold this level of openness to diverse opinions and perspectives, even from those who plan to oppose me from the Democratic side.’