Ramaswamy set to launch Ohio governor bid on Feb. 24

Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is set to launch his expected 2026 run for Ohio governor next Monday, The Hill has learned.

After weeks of hints at the move, Ramaswamy is on track to kick off his campaign in Cincinnati on Feb. 24, a spokesperson told The Hill. He filed campaign paperwork over the weekend.

The biotech entrepreneur would join Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) in the GOP primary race to succeed term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine (R) in the Buckeye State. Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague was expected to run, but he changed course and endorsed Ramaswamy earlier this month.

With some notable prelaunch support, Ramaswamy appears positioned to become a favorite for the seat. He built up his national profile through his long-shot presidential bid last year, and new polling from a pro-Ramaswamy firm suggests he'd be the primary front-runner — though experts in the state note he lacks experience in elected office.

Ramaswamy's team has also brought on some of Vice President Vance's top political advisers in recent weeks, an indicator that he could snag eventual backing from Vance, a former Ohio senator, or President Trump.

An outspoken Trump supporter even as they campaigned against each other in 2024, Ramaswamy recently departed Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, a commission focused on cutting federal spending, as he teased a run for elected office.

After launching his Ohio campaign in Cincinnati next week, Ramaswamy is set to travel for launch events in the Columbus, Toledo and Cleveland areas, according to The Associated Press, which first reported the date of Ramaswamy's campaign launch.

Amy Acton, a former Ohio health director, is running on the Democrats’ side.

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