US President Donald Trump on Friday announced his “complete and total endorsement” for Vivek Ramaswamy’s bid to become Governor of Ohio, praising the former Republican presidential candidate as “young, strong, and smart.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he “knows Vivek well” and described him as “something special” who “truly loves our country.”
Trump said Ramaswamy would focus on boosting the economy, cutting taxes, strengthening border security, and protecting the Second Amendment.
He added, “Vivek Ramaswamy will be a great Governor of Ohio… He will never let you down!”
The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for Republicans in Ohio, a state that has been steadily shifting toward the conservative camp in recent years.
Ramaswamy, a billionaire entrepreneur and former co-lead of the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk, has cast himself as a pro-business outsider advocating deregulation and economic growth, priorities that align closely with Trump’s own message.
The upcoming Ohio governor’s race is expected to draw national attention, as incumbent Republican Mike DeWine prepares to leave office. Democrat Amy Acton, a former state health director, has emerged as a leading challenger, with early polls suggesting a competitive contest.
While Democrats aim to tap into voter fatigue, Ramaswamy is likely to bank on Trump’s enduring influence in a state the president has carried comfortably in previous elections. The Republican primaries are set for May 2026, followed by the general election in November.
Before launching his gubernatorial bid, Ramaswamy had reportedly shown interest in the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance, though DeWine ultimately appointed then–Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to the post.
The decision came following weeks of lobbying and a last-minute appeal from Donald Trump Jr. on X, urging party members to rally behind Ramaswamy.
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