Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and one of the architects behind President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, walked the halls of Congress on December 5, 2024, just after a meeting on Capitol Hill. His plans go beyond the federal stage—Ramaswamy is set to announce his candidacy for governor of Ohio, looking to revolutionize public education, reduce regulations, and implement significant budget cuts.
Ramaswamy’s blueprint closely aligns with the efforts he once championed for Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE. However, he seemed hesitant to draw a direct parallel during a discussion with NBC News before launching his campaign.
“Many are eager to make such a comparison,” Ramaswamy remarked. “However, I envision my goals for Ohio in a much broader scope.”
Despite the differences, Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial ambitions are inevitably linked to his past work with DOGE. Expected to be a key player in the Trump administration’s budget-cutting plans alongside tech giant Elon Musk, Ramaswamy ultimately decided to focus on his home state, believing he could influence change more significantly there.
“My conversations with President Trump and Elon revolved around maximizing our impact on the nation,” Ramaswamy explained. “For me, leading initiatives in Ohio that champion efficiency and deregulation offers the best chance to set a national example.”
Ramaswamy’s ties to DOGE and the Trump effort to reduce federal expenditure paint him as a reformer, which could aid him as he seeks to continue the GOP’s long grip on Ohio. However, this association might also be problematic. With many federal employees in Ohio and existing concerns about Medicaid funding, his platform could face scrutiny. A recent CNN poll showed 51% of respondents believe Trump’s cuts went too far, while 32% thought they were appropriate, and 17% felt they didn’t go far enough.
“I believe our approach in Ohio will resonate with parents invested in the future generations,” Ramaswamy said, addressing potential political ramifications.
Ramaswamy has filed the necessary paperwork to begin fundraising and is set to kick off a statewide tour in Cincinnati. His candidacy has stirred the Republican waters in Ohio, where Governor Mike DeWine is legally barred from a third consecutive term.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, initially planning a later entry, stepped into the race earlier than anticipated amidst Ramaswamy coup rumors. Meanwhile, State Treasurer Robert Sprague, initially poised to challenge Ramaswamy, shifted his support to him while announcing his candidacy for Ohio Secretary of State.
Equally intriguing is the potential candidacy of Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, ex-football coach at Ohio State, who DeWine appointed recently. While Tressel hasn’t discounted a run, speculation continues.
In past campaigns, Yost, known as a “skinny government” advocate, chose the slogan “Peace, love and skinny government.” He takes pride in his small-government stance, claiming to have embraced DOGE principles before they gained popularity.
“It’s one thing to deliver a speech, another to complete the job,” Yost said, contrasting himself with Ramaswamy. “I’ve been in the trenches fighting federal overreach, and I’m the one prepared to lead Ohio boldly.”
Despite considering Ramaswamy a friend, Yost described him as inconsistent in his political ventures.
“He’s shown interest in many roles—president, a Cabinet position, DOGE,” Yost noted. “Being governor of Ohio isn’t an afterthought, and my concern is that quitting seems to be his forte.”
Assisting Ramaswamy are key figures from Vice President JD Vance’s team, some with connections to Trump. Yet, he hasn’t spent years in politics, unlike many long-standing Ohio figures, although Vance did win a Senate seat on his first attempt in 2022.
Internal polling by both Ramaswamy and Yost indicates they’re well-regarded by Ohio Republicans. A Trump endorsement would bolster anyone, but initial polls favor Ramaswamy when neither candidate has Trump’s backing.
While Ramaswamy didn’t comment on securing Trump’s support, Yost expressed hope in discussing the race with him and was indirect about how a Trump’s endorsement of his rival might influence his plans.
“I’m the only candidate with his past endorsement,” Yost remarked, “and I’m hopeful it will continue, ensuring not just a win, but a decisive one.”
With Ramaswamy’s 2024 presidential campaign having wrapped up before Ohio’s March primary, rumors swirled about a possible return to state politics. Though considered for Vance’s Senate seat, DeWine appointed Jon Husted, removing a potential competitor in the governor’s race.
Ramaswamy, although new to public office, maintains political connections in Ohio after serving on InnovateOhio’s board, a tech-focused agency led by Husted.
“I believe what I aimed to achieve nationally can be done even more effectively as a governor,” Ramaswamy stated, mentioning that Ohio leaders have encouraged him to run. “Ohio could lead America’s revival.”
Discussing his ideas, Ramaswamy outlined ambitions like “energy dominance” and specific proposals such as removing state income tax and reforming K-12 by incentivizing homeschooling and merit-based teacher pay.
“Teachers and principals should be compensated for merit,” Ramaswamy asserted. “Top educators deserve more, and a meritocracy would attract them to our state.”
Though the ideas aren’t entirely new, they’ve encountered resistance from teachers’ unions and lobbyists before. Ramaswamy believes the political atmosphere is now ripe for change.
“This is an issue uniting parents across Ohio,” he stated. “I’m not here to pick a fight with unions; I’m focusing on student success.”
Ramaswamy concluded saying that bringing fresh leadership is critical, suggesting he offers the non-traditional approach Ohio needs.
As for his long-term political future, Ramaswamy committed to serving a full term, putting any 2028 presidential ambitions on hold.
“My plan is to complete a full term,” Ramaswamy affirmed. “Real change will likely require two terms to fulfill the ambitious agenda we’re setting.”
