DOGE co-leader Ramaswamy planning 2026 run for governor in Ohio: sources

Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, is reportedly gearing up for a run for Ohio governor, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. Ramaswamy, who co-leads President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative alongside Elon Musk, is expected to announce his gubernatorial bid in the near future.

An anonymous Ohio operative shared insights into Ramaswamy’s plans, stating that his strategy involves achieving significant milestones at DOGE before officially launching his campaign for governor. With current Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine unable to seek re-election in 2026 due to term limits, the upcoming gubernatorial race is poised to be highly competitive.

In a recent development, Governor DeWine appointed Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat previously held by JD Vance, who resigned ahead of the inauguration. Husted had already been planning to run for governor in 2026 as DeWine’s successor, setting the stage for a potentially intense battle for the state’s highest office.

Ramaswamy, now 39 years old, gained prominence during his 2023 presidential campaign, where he championed an “America First 2.0” agenda and emerged as a vocal supporter of former President Trump. Despite ending his White House bid following a lackluster performance in the Iowa caucuses, Ramaswamy quickly threw his support behind Trump and became a key surrogate on the campaign trail.

As an Ohio native, Ramaswamy’s deep roots in the state could bolster his appeal to voters seeking a candidate with strong ties to the region. His leadership role in the DOGE initiative, alongside tech titan Elon Musk, further enhances his profile and underscores his commitment to advancing government efficiency and innovation.

Ohio, historically a battleground state in general elections, has seen a shift towards Republican dominance in recent years. With Ramaswamy poised to enter the gubernatorial race, the political landscape in Ohio is set for a dynamic and closely-watched contest.

Paul Steinhauser, a seasoned politics reporter based in New Hampshire, contributed to this report. Stay tuned for further updates on Vivek Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial bid as the campaign unfolds.