Former President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in the race for Ohio governor, issuing a glowing endorsement that highlights Ramaswamy's potential to champion conservative priorities in the Buckeye State.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on November 7, 2025, Trump described Ramaswamy as "something SPECIAL" and praised him as a "very good person, who truly loves our Country." The endorsement comes as Ramaswamy, a 40-year-old Ohio native, launches his bid to succeed current Republican Governor Mike DeWine, whose term ends in 2026.
Trump's support could prove pivotal in Ohio's Republican primary, given the former president's strong track record in the state. As Trump noted in his post, he won Ohio decisively in the presidential elections of 2016, 2020, and 2024, carrying the state by significant margins each time. "Vivek Ramaswamy is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio, a place I love and WON BIG, THREE TIMES, in 2016, 2020, and 2024!" Trump wrote.
Ramaswamy, who gained national prominence during his unsuccessful run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, has positioned himself as a fresh face in politics, emphasizing themes of economic revival and national pride. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, he announced his gubernatorial campaign earlier this year, filing paperwork and declaring his intent to "lead Ohio to be the state of excellence."
In his announcement speech, Ramaswamy said, "We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio, and that is why today, I’m honored to announce that I am running to be the next governor of a great state, at the heart of the greatest nation known to mankind." He added that Ohio is "the state where I was born and raised. The state where Apoorva and I raise our two sons today. A state whose best days are still ahead."
Trump's endorsement echoes these sentiments, outlining a policy agenda that aligns closely with his own "Make America Great Again" platform. According to Trump's post, if elected, Ramaswamy would "fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment."
Vivek Ramaswamy will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!
This isn't the first time Trump has backed Ramaswamy. During the 2024 presidential primaries, after Ramaswamy dropped out, he received Trump's endorsement and campaigned alongside him. Their relationship dates back to when they competed against each other in the GOP field, with Trump now calling Ramaswamy "Young, Strong, and Smart."
Ramaswamy's campaign has also garnered support from the Ohio Republican Party, which endorsed him shortly after he entered the race. This party backing, combined with Trump's nod, positions him as a frontrunner in what could be a crowded primary field. Ohio's gubernatorial election is set for November 2026, with primaries expected in the spring of that year.
To provide broader context, Ohio has been a Republican stronghold in recent gubernatorial races. Governor DeWine, first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, has focused on issues like education reform and economic development, but has faced criticism from some conservatives for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other policies. Ramaswamy's entry into the race introduces a more outsider, entrepreneurial perspective, drawing from his background as the founder of Roivant Sciences, a biotechnology company he started in 2014.
Ramaswamy, who graduated from Harvard College in 2007 and Yale Law School in 2013, has no prior elected experience but has built a public profile through his presidential bid and authorship of books like "Woke, Inc." and "Nation of Victims." His campaign announcement emphasized his personal ties to Ohio, noting his family's life in the state and his vision for its future.
Trump's involvement in state-level races continues a pattern seen in previous election cycles, where his endorsements have boosted candidates in Republican primaries. In Ohio, for instance, his support helped J.D. Vance secure the 2022 U.S. Senate seat. Analysts suggest that Trump's backing could mobilize the state's conservative base, particularly in rural and working-class areas where he performed strongly in past elections.
While the endorsement has been met with enthusiasm from Ramaswamy's supporters, it remains to be seen how it will play out among Ohio voters. The state, with its mix of urban centers like Cleveland and Columbus, industrial regions, and agricultural heartland, has a diverse electorate. Ramaswamy's platform, as highlighted by Trump, focuses on economic growth and security issues that resonate in these areas.
Looking ahead, Ramaswamy's campaign is expected to ramp up fundraising and outreach efforts, leveraging Trump's endorsement to attract donors and volunteers. The Ohio Republican Party's support further solidifies his position, but potential challengers could emerge, including state legislators or other figures eyeing the governorship.
In terms of broader implications, this endorsement underscores Trump's enduring influence within the Republican Party, even after his time in office. As the 2026 midterms approach, his picks in key races like Ohio's could shape the GOP's direction on issues from border security to energy policy. For Ramaswamy, securing the governorship would mark a significant ascent for the political newcomer, potentially positioning him for higher office in the future.
As the race develops, observers will watch closely for any Democratic responses or additional Republican entrants. For now, Trump's full-throated support has injected early momentum into Ramaswamy's bid, setting the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes contest in one of the Midwest's pivotal states.