Vivek Ramaswamy, a 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, has launched his campaign for Ohio governor with a bold vision for education reform and economic growth, securing an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Quick Takes
- Ramaswamy proposes merit-based pay for teachers, universal school vouchers, and eliminating the state income tax.
- Trump endorsed Ramaswamy, calling him “young, strong, and smart,” boosting his position in the GOP primary.
- Education reforms include banning cellphones in classrooms, mandatory U.S. Citizenship Test for seniors, and promoting vocational programs.
- Ramaswamy aims to make Ohio “the state of excellence in America” with unique conservative solutions.
- He plans to invest in industries like semiconductors, nuclear energy, biotech, and Bitcoin to boost Ohio’s economy.
Trump’s Endorsement Boosts Ramaswamy’s Campaign
Vivek Ramaswamy’s bid for Ohio governor has gained significant momentum with a powerful endorsement from former President Donald Trump. The 45th president described Ramaswamy as “young, strong, and smart” and “a very good person, who truly loves our Country.” This endorsement has catapulted Ramaswamy to the forefront of the GOP primary, positioning him as a formidable candidate against other Republican contenders like Attorney General Dave Yost.
Ramaswamy, who previously ran in the 2024 presidential primaries before endorsing Trump, brings a unique blend of business acumen and political experience to the race. His appointment by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, albeit brief due to a disagreement with Elon Musk, showcases his connection to the former president and his commitment to streamlining government operations.
Education Reform: A Cornerstone of Ramaswamy’s Campaign
At the heart of Ramaswamy’s campaign is a comprehensive plan for education reform in Ohio. With the state’s public schools currently ranked 27th nationally, Ramaswamy sees ample room for improvement. His proposals include implementing universal school choice, introducing merit-based pay for teachers, and banning cellphones in classrooms to enhance focus and learning outcomes.
“I’ll take Ohio to the next level on school choice, But we also need to equip our public schools to actually compete.” – Vivek Ramaswamy
Ramaswamy’s plan also includes mandatory U.S. Citizenship Tests for high school seniors, a move aimed at addressing what he perceives as declining patriotism among young Americans. Additionally, he advocates for increased police presence in schools and the promotion of vocational programs to better prepare students for diverse career paths.
Economic Vision: Modernizing Ohio’s Industries
Drawing from his experience as a successful biotech entrepreneur, Ramaswamy has outlined an ambitious economic strategy for Ohio. His plan includes investing in cutting-edge industries such as semiconductors, nuclear energy, biotechnology, and even Bitcoin. This forward-thinking approach aims to position Ohio as a hub for innovation and economic growth.
“The best teachers are, I believe, significantly under-compensated, But we’re not attracting the very best anymore because there’s no meritocracy in compensation.” – Vivek Ramaswamy
Perhaps the most audacious element of Ramaswamy’s economic plan is his proposal to eliminate the state income tax. This move, he argues, would not only provide relief to Ohio residents but also make the state more attractive to businesses and entrepreneurs, potentially spurring significant economic growth and job creation.
Challenges and Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Ramaswamy’s campaign, he faces notable opposition and criticism. Dave Yost, a fellow Republican candidate, has expressed skepticism about Ramaswamy’s commitment to the race, stating, “I welcome Mr. Ramaswamy to the race for however long he sticks around.” This comment alludes to Ramaswamy’s previous foray into national politics and questions his long-term dedication to Ohio’s governorship.
On the Democratic side, Dr. Amy Acton has emerged as a vocal critic of Ramaswamy’s views and social media presence. The exchange between the two candidates has already shown signs of heating up, with Ramaswamy dismissing Acton as an “Anthony Fauci knockoff,” setting the stage for a potentially contentious campaign season.
As the race for Ohio’s governorship unfolds, Vivek Ramaswamy’s bold proposals and high-profile endorsement have certainly made him a candidate to watch. Whether his unique blend of conservative solutions and business-oriented approach will resonate with Ohio voters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race promises to be both dynamic and closely watched on the national stage.
Sources:
- Vivek Ramaswamy launches 2026 Ohio governor campaign, picks up Trump endorsement
- Vivek Ramaswamy tells The Post his plan to make Ohio great again: School choice and investment in industry
