Vivek Ramaswamy’s Bid for Ohio Governorship: A Political Novice with Presidential Ambitions

A Newcomer’s Entrance into Ohio Politics

On a quiet Monday morning, as Vivek Ramaswamy began exploring a gubernatorial campaign in Ohio, Dan Merenoff, a 44-year-old operations manager, sat at a coffee shop in Delaware, Ohio, pondering the implications of a political novice like Ramaswamy running the state. Merenoff, who likes Ramaswamy’s views, is also a Trump supporter and is uncertain about Ramaswamy’s sudden departure from Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency task force just two weeks earlier. “I’d still like to read a little bit more,” Merenoff said, reflecting the cautious optimism of many Ohioans.

Ramaswamy, a 39-year-old entrepreneur and author, is expected to formally announce his candidacy later this month. Despite his lack of government experience in Ohio—he has never held office or even run for one—his national profile as a Trump ally gives him an edge. His investment firm relocated to Texas last year, further distancing him from Ohio’s political scene. Yet, his visibility in Republican circles, honed through appearances on Fox News and county meet-and-greets, makes him a recognizable figure in the state.

A Political Brand Built on Critique and Trump Loyalty

Ramaswamy’s political brand is rooted in his critique of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, which he outlined in his 2021 book, Woke, Inc. After ending his presidential bid last year, he became a vocal supporter of Trump, campaigning tirelessly on his behalf. His decision to run for governor comes after a fallout with Trump’s administration, yet he positions himself as a continuation of Trump’s policies. He has vowed to focus on cutting regulatory barriers and advancing industrial innovation in Ohio if elected.

Greg Moss, a retired farmer and construction worker in Kingston, Ohio, expressed enthusiasm for Ramaswamy’s candidacy. “I’d vote for him, but Trump’s endorsement matters a lot,” Moss said. For many Ohioans, Trump’s endorsement is a seal of approval, and Ramaswamy’s fate likely hinges on it. But Ramaswamy’s abrupt exit from Trump’s task force has raised eyebrows. He reportedly clashed with Elon Musk and Trump aides, leading to his departure.

The Trump Factor: A Decisive Influence in Ohio Politics

The power of Trump’s endorsement is well-documented nationally, but it’s a relatively new phenomenon in Ohio, where Republican politics have traditionally favored established figures with deep local ties. The state’s current governor, Mike DeWine, is a moderate Republican who broke with Trump over Covid-19 policies yet managed to fend off a primary challenge in 2022. However, recent Senate races have shown that Trump’s endorsement can propel political outsiders like JD Vance and Bernie Moreno to victory.

Ramaswamy, who grew up in Ohio but has little involvement in state politics, seems to fit this mold. His decision to run for governor follows a brief and tumultuous stint in Trump’s administration. After being passed over for a Senate appointment, he left the Department of Government Efficiency task force and quickly launched his gubernatorial campaign. A recent poll shows him leading his primary rival, Attorney General Dave Yost, by 34 points.

A Primary Battle: Experience vs. Outsider Appeal

Yost, a seasoned politician with decades of government experience, is positioning himself as the practical choice. “I’ve got results,” he said, pointing to his record of challenging Biden administration policies. He also criticized Ramaswamy’s brief tenure in Trump’s task force, saying, “He quit on the first day of his one federal job.” Yet, Ramaswamy’s outsider status resonates with many Ohioans who are disillusioned with career politicians.

Pam Minardo, a 62-year-old delivery worker, summed up this sentiment: “He’s not a career politician, and 99 percent of what we have now is corrupt. Columbus needs to be cleaned up.” Bryan Williams, chairman of the Summit County Republican Party, acknowledged Ramaswamy’s appeal, noting, “If Vivek Ramaswamy declares, he’s an immediate front-runner.” The primary, however, is still over a year away, and much can change.

Ramaswamy’s team, which includes strategists close to the White House, signals Trump’s implicit approval. Yet, Yost remains hopeful of securing Trump’s endorsement, saying, “Anybody that tells you they know what the president will do is probably spinning you.”

The race between Ramaswamy and Yost represents a broader clash between old-school Republican politics and the Trump-era outsiders who are reshaping the party. As Republican strategist Ryan Stubenrauch put it, “If it’s a two-person race, it’ll be the ultimate test. Thirty years in poli