Trump Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor, Aims to Avoid Divisive Primary
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Shortly after Republican Vivek Ramaswamy launched his campaign for Ohio governor, President Donald Trump quickly endorsed the Cincinnati-born biotech entrepreneur and former co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency.
Trump praised Ramaswamy on his Truth Social platform, calling him "something SPECIAL," and emphasizing his qualities as "Young, Strong, and Smart!"
“Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country,” Trump wrote. “He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!”
Timing Raises Eyebrows Among Ohio Republicans
Trump’s rapid endorsement has sparked speculation among Ohio political analysts. Veteran Republican strategist Robert Clegg believes Trump’s move may serve as a warning to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who has already declared his candidacy, or even newly appointed Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, a well-known former Ohio State Buckeyes football coach.
“This is really early in the race,” Clegg said. “I was expecting an endorsement maybe later this year—like the fall or even early next year. It seems like Trump wants to prevent a brutal primary battle in Ohio.”
Trump’s Influence on Ohio Elections
Trump has historically timed his endorsements strategically. In the 2022 Ohio Senate race, he waited until just 19 days before the primary to endorse JD Vance, now vice president, securing him the GOP nomination. In 2024, he backed Bernie Moreno three months before the primary, helping him secure victory.
This time, Trump wasted no time in supporting Ramaswamy, likely giving him an edge in early campaign efforts. Despite concerns about his lack of experience in statewide office, Ramaswamy has already secured the support of key political advisers, as well as endorsements from conservative leaders like Utah Sen. Mike Lee.
Mixed Success for Trump’s Gubernatorial Endorsements
Trump’s record in gubernatorial endorsements is mixed. His backing helped Texas Gov. Greg Abbott secure re-election but failed to boost Wisconsin’s Scott Walker in 2018. Similarly, Sarah Huckabee Sanders won Arkansas’ governorship with his support in 2022, but Kari Lake was unsuccessful in Arizona.
The Battle Ahead: Yost and Tressel Enter the Fray
Ohio’s Republican landscape shifted dramatically when former Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, once seen as a leading gubernatorial candidate, accepted an appointment to JD Vance’s former Senate seat. Conservative leader Tom Zawistowski suggests Trump’s looming endorsement pushed Husted to exit the race.
“The fact is Jon Husted couldn’t compete against Trump’s endorsement and a heavily financed opponent like Vivek,” Zawistowski said. “And then, shazam—here comes Jim Tressel. Only in Ohio politics.”
Gov. Mike DeWine’s decision to appoint Tressel as Husted’s replacement suggests he could be positioning Tressel as an establishment Republican alternative should Yost’s campaign falter.
Yost Attacks Ramaswamy’s Credibility
Yost, who is term-limited, wasted no time questioning Ramaswamy’s commitment.
“I welcome Mr. Ramaswamy to the race—for however long he sticks around,” Yost stated. “We’ll see if he actually stays in. He quit on President Trump and DOGE on Day 1, he moved his company to Texas, and he abandoned his presidential campaign after a poor fourth-place finish in Iowa.”
His supporters have already launched attack ads through the Buckeye Freedom Fund super PAC, attempting to tie Ramaswamy to President Joe Biden on social issues.
The MAGA Base and the Role of Jim Tressel
Despite the political maneuvering, Ohio’s MAGA supporters are thrilled with Trump’s early backing of Ramaswamy, along with endorsements from Elon Musk and other conservative figures. However, some worry that establishment Republicans and Democrats might rally behind Tressel in the GOP primary to weaken the pro-Trump movement.
Zawistowski believes this fear may have driven Trump to act swiftly, ensuring Ramaswamy enters the race with a solid advantage.
With Ohio’s gubernatorial race heating up, Trump’s endorsement has set the stage for a high-stakes Republican showdown.
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