Billionaire biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswami plans to run for governor of Ohio, multiple sources have confirmed to Fox News Digital.
The people added that Ramaswamy, who along with Elon Musk co-leads President-elect Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, is expected to make an announcement about the gubernatorial race “soon.”
“Vivek's master plan remains.” [the] It's about being successful at DOGE and immediately announcing a run for governor,” an Ohio operative familiar with Mr. Ramaswamy's thinking, who requested anonymity to speak more freely, told Fox News on Friday. spoke.
Click here for the latest FOX News coverage on Vivek Ramaswamy.
Vivek Ramaswamy speaks before former President Donald Trump takes the stage at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 27, 2024. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Ohio's current Republican governor, Mike DeWine, is term limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026.
DeWine announced Friday that Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will fill the Senate seat held by former Sen. J.D. Vance until early this month, when the vice president-elect resigns ahead of Monday's inauguration.
Musk and Ramaswamy ignite MAGA war over skilled labor immigration
Even before the Senate announcement, Mr. Husted had long planned to run for governor in 2026 to replace Mr. DeWine.
Governor Mike DeWine announced on Friday, January 17, 2024, that Lt. Gov. Jon Husted will assume the U.S. Senate seat that was vacated by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance until earlier this month. (Reuters)
Ramaswamy, now 39 years old, started his presidential campaign in February 2023, and his stock price rose as he emerged as a potential Republican candidate after hitting the jackpot.
Ramaswamy campaigned on what he called “America First 2.0” and was one of Trump's biggest supporters in the rival field, calling him “the most successful president of this century.” is.
Vivek Ramaswamy (right) supports former President Donald Trump during a campaign event at the Atkinson Resort and Country Club on January 16, 2024 in Atkinson, New Hampshire. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)
He withdrew his bid for the White House a year ago after narrowly finishing in the Iowa caucuses. Mr. Ramaswamy quickly endorsed Mr. Trump and became his top campaign surrogate.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Mr. Ramaswamy, an Ohio native, was named by President Trump in November to lead DOGE, along with Mr. Musk, the world's richest man.
Once a battleground state in general elections, Ohio has turned red over the past decade as Republicans have gained ground in statewide elections.
