Ohio Republican Central Committee officially confirmed their support for Vivek Ramaswamy’s bid for governor at a meeting, adding more momentum to the former presidential candidate’s gubernatorial campaign.
The state GOP announced on Friday (May 9) on the social platform X that the Central Committee had voted to support Ramaswamy.
State Attorney General and Republican Dave Yost did not receive the support and reportedly congratulated Ramaswamy in a statement.
Ramaswamy, a former pharmaceutical company leader turned politician, has received endorsements from former President Donald Trump, solidifying his position as a frontrunner for the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Prior to the Friday meeting, it was uncertain if the State GOP Committee would endorse a gubernatorial candidate as a two-thirds majority vote is required among committee members.
Following the vote, Ramaswamy expressed gratitude on X platform for the committee’s endorsement, describing the 60-3 overwhelming support as “historic” and emphasizing the importance of expanding the Republican voter base for a decisive victory in the 2026 elections.
Ramaswamy, who had been considered a potential gubernatorial candidate months before formally declaring his candidacy, swiftly gained popularity after announcing his bid in February, receiving endorsements from President Trump and Elon Musk.
A native of Ohio, Ramaswamy briefly worked in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Musk before withdrawing to launch his gubernatorial campaign.
He has garnered endorsements from prominent figures in Ohio and nationally, with early polls showing him leading in the Republican primaries.
Another Republican, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, has hinted at considering a run for governor. Incumbent Republican Governor Mike DeWine, ineligible for re-election due to term limits, earlier appointed Tressel as Lt. Governor and former Lt. Governor Jon Husted to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy left by JD Vance.
According to NBC, DeWine attempted to block the State GOP from making an endorsement decision at the meeting. A Republican leader told the media that they believe the governor hopes Tressel will run. DeWine told NBC that it is too early for him to endorse any candidate as it is unclear who else may enter the race. The primary is set to take place nearly a year from now.
On February 24th, President Trump endorsed Ramaswamy on his social media platform Truth Social, praising his qualities and expressing full support for his gubernatorial bid.
At a press conference in Cincinnati on the same day, Ramaswamy stated, “President Trump is restoring our faith in America, and we also need a leader who can rekindle faith in Ohio; America is the greatest country known to mankind, and Ohio is its heart! Which is why today, I am honored to announce that I will be running for the next great governor of this state.”
He continued, “I will lead Ohio to become the top state in the nation, patriots will flock here rather than in Florida and Texas, I will make Ohio the beacon of excellence in America!”