Vice President JD Vance's political team, including two top advisors, are set to join Vivek Ramaswamy's anticipated 2026 Ohio gubernatorial run, as confirmed by a knowledgeable source.
Ramaswamy, a wealthy biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, has been laying the groundwork for his gubernatorial campaign in Ohio, aiming to succeed GOP Gov. Mike DeWine, who is term-limited.
The announcement of Ramaswamy's candidacy is expected in mid-February, according to the source.
Ramaswamy, who previously vied for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, later became a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump.
Andy Surabian and Jai Chabria, key advisors from Vance's team, will be part of Ramaswamy's campaign, with Chabria likely serving as the general consultant.
Additionally, Tony Fabrizio, a seasoned Republican pollster, and Arthur Schwartz, a close ally of Vance and Trump Jr., are also on board.
Vance, who has been influential in Ohio politics since his Senate victory in 2022, has endorsed candidates like Sen. Bernie Moreno and is now aligning with Ramaswamy due to their longstanding friendship.
Ramaswamy's campaign team includes veterans from his previous White House bid, such as Ben Yoho, Mike Biundo, and Chris Grant.
Ramaswamy, known for his 'America First 2.0' agenda, dropped his presidential bid in favor of supporting Trump and was later involved in the Department of Government Efficiency initiative.
His decision to run for governor comes after stepping down from DOGE, aligning with his plans for Ohio's future.
The race for the GOP gubernatorial nomination in Ohio is expected to be competitive, with candidates like Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost entering the fray.
Ramaswamy's move towards the governorship follows his recent controversy with Elon Musk over H-1B visas, which drew criticism from some conservative circles.
Ohio, once a battleground state, has shifted towards the Republican Party over the past decade, setting the stage for an intriguing gubernatorial race in 2026.
