Ramaswamy Gains Support from Former Ryan Donors
Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican candidate for governor in Ohio, has recently attracted backing from donors who previously supported Democrat Tim Ryan. His campaign reports that about $220,000 raised in the early months came from individuals who had earlier contributed to Ryan, a former Youngstown MP contemplating a run for governor. Ryan hasn’t officially declared his candidacy yet but plans to make a decision by the end of the year.
Several prominent business leaders from Youngstown and Northeast Ohio, once part of Ryan’s donor base, are now showing support for Ramaswamy. The campaign highlights names like Caryn and Sam Covelli, leading figures in the Mahoning Valley who have shifted their contributions from Ryan, previously totaling over $59,000, to supporting Ramaswamy with $10,000. Bruce Zoldan, another influential business figure in the area, has also donated $5,000 after contributing over $53,000 to Ryan.
Adam Thomarios is another notable supporter, contributing $10,000 and hosting a fundraiser for Ramaswamy, having given nearly $17,000 to Ryan. Additionally, Anthony Manna has moved his loyalty, donating $10,000 after giving around $25,000 to Ryan from 2005 to 2021, while Regina Mitchell contributed over $13,600 after a previous $2,700 donation to Ryan in 2017. Jeff Edwards and his wife Lisa also redirected their support, contributing roughly $33,000 after earlier donations to Ryan.
Jay Chhabria, Ramaswamy’s chief strategist, noted this movement among traditional Democratic donors isn’t just about financial support. Many Ohioans, feeling let down by longstanding Democratic leadership, are now perceiving Ramaswamy’s focus on economic growth and fresh ideas positively. Chhabria emphasized that voters are craving something beyond the “tired model” of political representation.
“It’s noteworthy how many donors associated with Democrats, particularly Tim Ryan, are now gravitating towards Ramaswamy,” Chhabria remarked. He believes this reflects a broader dissatisfaction with current leadership and highlights the grassroots enthusiasm for Ramaswamy’s campaign.
He also discussed how many voters view long-term incumbents as having failed to deliver on promises. “I think there’s a realization that a new approach is essential,” he added, suggesting that Ramaswamy brings a different energy to the table.
Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou has echoed similar sentiments, noting the “impressive” support that Ramaswamy is garnering. He believes that former Ryan supporters are recognizing Ramaswamy’s commitment to workers and revitalizing Ohio’s energy sector. Triantafilou also mentioned that Ramaswamy’s early endorsement from the GOP could solidify Republican unity in the state.
In addition to his fundraising prowess—reportedly raising $9.7 million from February to June, a record for Ohio gubernatorial candidates ahead of an election—Ramaswamy’s campaign also aims to convey a strong economic message. Chhabria predicts even more robust financial figures in upcoming reports, suggesting that the momentum behind Ramaswamy is just beginning.
Ramaswamy’s platform addresses multiple issues, including energy independence and public safety. He is focusing on the crime concerns prevalent in many urban areas, asserting that feeling secure at home should be a bipartisan issue. “People deserve to feel safe in their communities,” he stated, indicating his intent to listen to all constituents and provide actionable solutions.
Triantafilou pointed out that Ramaswamy represents a “new era of leadership” at 40 years old, which he feels contrasts sharply with Ryan’s current standing in politics. He described Ryan as more focused on cultural issues than economic ones, arguing that these priorities do not resonate with many Ohio voters. If Ryan enters the governor’s race, Triantafilou anticipates that he will face significant challenges due to this disconnect.
For now, as Ramaswamy’s campaign works to build on its early momentum, it is gearing up for upcoming fundraising events, including one in Akron. With record funding and shifting support from powerful donors, he is positioning himself as a leading contender for the 2026 gubernatorial race.
