After Republicans failed to sweep key elections this month in three US states, President Donald Trump has decided to step into the 2026 Ohio governor’s race with a message that has instantly grabbed attention. Trump has publicly endorsed Indian-origin American politician and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. In a post on social media, Trump reminded supporters that he “won big” in Ohio in 2016, 2020 and 2024, calling the state one of his strongest.
He went on to praise Ramaswamy, saying he knows him well from the campaign trail. “I know Vivek well, competed against him, and he is something special. He is Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Ramaswamy has previously worked with Elon Musk on the Department of Government Efficiency. He also ran for presidential position against Donald Trump during the 47th US presidential election.
‘Complete and total endorsement’
Trump added, “as your next Governor, Vivek will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote made in the USA, Champion American Energy Dominance, Keep our now very Secure Border, secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, ensure law and order, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Trump ended by saying Ramaswamy will never let Americans down. “Vivek Ramaswamy will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – He will never let you down.”
A crucial moment for Republicans in Ohio
The endorsement comes as Republicans try to hold their ground in a state that has leaned more conservative in recent years. The governor’s seat will be open next year as Mike DeWine leaves office, and both parties are preparing for a tough fight.
The Republican primary is scheduled for May 2026, with the general election in November. With Trump now fully backing him, Ramaswamy enters the race with a major advantage. Whether that momentum holds through next year will decide how Ohio’s political map shifts next. Democrat Amy Acton is already seen as a strong challenger, and early polling hints at a close race.
Earlier, Democrats Zohran Mamdani, Mikie Sherrill, and Abigail Spanberger won key elections in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia. Reacting to the results, Vivek Ramaswamy called for an end to identity politics and pushed his party to focus on rising costs.
In a video posted online, Ramaswamy, who is often outspoken on major US issues, said, “We got our defeat handed to us in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City. Democrats swept all. There are two key lessons for Republicans. Listen carefully.”
He urged the GOP to prioritise affordability. “Number one, our side needs to focus on affordability, make the American dream affordable. Bring down costs: electric, grocery, healthcare, and housing. Lay out clearly how we’re going to do it,” he said.
Calling to end identity politics, he added, “Number two, cut out identity politics. It doesn’t suit Republicans. It’s the woke left’s game. We don’t care about the colour of your skin or religion; we care about the content of your character. That’s who we are.”
Who is Vivek Ramaswamy?
Ramaswamy grew up in Cincinnati. He was a top tennis player in school and graduated with honours from Harvard in biology. Ramaswamy earned a law degree at Yale while working at a hedge fund. He later founded Roivant Sciences, the biotech company behind several FDA-approved drugs.
He lives in Columbus with his wife, Apoorva, a throat surgeon and professor at Ohio State University, and their two sons. Ramaswamy runs his campaign, talking about wanting Ohio to become the easiest state to start a business, raise a family, and give children a strong early education.
According to his campaign website, Vivek for Ohio, Ramaswamy wants the state to lead in fields like aerospace, AI, and semiconductors, instead of watching talent move to places like Texas and Florida.