Biotech entrepreneur and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is gearing up to launch a run for Ohio governor by the end of the month, according to a source familiar with his plans. Ramaswamy, who was selected by President-elect Donald Trump to co-lead the nongovernmental Department of Government Efficiency, will step down from his role with DOGE once he officially declares his candidacy.
The decision to expedite the announcement comes after reports indicated that Ramaswamy aimed to achieve some successes with DOGE before entering the gubernatorial race in Ohio. The current Republican Governor, Mike DeWine, is unable to seek re-election in 2026 due to term limits.
Politico was the first to report on the anticipated timing of Ramaswamy's candidacy declaration.
It was revealed that Trump had privately urged Ramaswamy to contemplate a potential appointment to the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by Vice President-elect JD Vance, should DeWine extend the offer. However, DeWine recently appointed Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill the vacant Senate seat.
