Photo: Alamy
Vivek Ramaswamy has secured the Republican nomination for governor of Ohio, according to the Associated Press, after defeating challenger Casey Putsch in Tuesday’s primary.
Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur who gained national prominence during his 2024 presidential bid and later became a prominent ally of President Donald Trump, now advances to a closely watched general election in November.
He will face Democratic nominee Amy Acton, a physician and former state health director who ran unopposed in her party’s primary.
“I’m proud to officially say that today it is our pleasure to become the Republican nominee for the governor of Ohio,” Ramaswamy told supporters, pledging to “make Ohio greater than we have ever been.”
The race will determine the successor to term-limited Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and is expected to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests of the 2026 midterms.
Ramaswamy framed the election as a stark choice between competing visions for the state, saying, “There has never been a greater contrast between two candidates.”
Once a major swing state, Ohio has trended more Republican in recent years, with President Trump winning it by a wide margin in 2024. Early indicators suggest a competitive race between Ramaswamy and Acton.
Vice President JD Vance, who previously represented Ohio in the Senate, cast his ballot in the primary and confirmed his support for Ramaswamy.
President Trump also expressed his support ahead of Tuesday’s primary vote.
“Vivek Ramaswamy is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio, a place I love and WON BIG, THREE TIMES, in 2016, 2020, and 2024! 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,” the president posted to Truth Social.
“As your next Governor, Vivek will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., 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. Vivek Ramaswamy will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” he added.
