First on FOX: Vivek Ramaswamy is backing his words with action.
Billionaires from the biotechnology sector and business leaders have contributed over $30 million to the GOP presidential nomination campaign for 2024.
In a digital chat with Fox News on Thursday, Ramaswamy disclosed plans to invest similarly in the 2026 Republican campaign for the governorship of Ohio. He said, “We are committed to doing whatever it takes to advance our state.” He added that “losing is not an option; victory is the only option.”
Ramaswamy’s campaign recently shared that he had raised nearly $10 million in just over four months since announcing his gubernatorial candidacy in late February. Notably, this amount marks the largest first-quarter funding total in Ohio’s state history.
“This showcases unprecedented support in Ohio, which is encouraging at this stage in the race,” Ramaswamy expressed. “It reflects a strong sense of unity.”
Having the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, Ramaswamy claims to be the sole major Republican contender currently running.
“I’m not facing any significant opposition in a Republican primary that’s decidedly red,” he remarked. “We’re uniting Ohio Republicans and attracting a diverse group of supporters, including young people and entrepreneurs.”
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost had initially entered the race for governor but withdrew in May. Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, who was also considering running, has seen speculation about his candidacy wane recently.
When asked about the potential for a competitive primary, Ramaswamy replied, “Not at all.” He mentioned enjoying conversations with Tressel, though they didn’t revolve around the election, adding that he views Tressel as an important figure for Ohio’s spirit and unity.
Meanwhile, attention has shifted to veteran Senator Sherrod Brown, who narrowly lost his Senate seat last year. He may consider joining the race for governor or running for the Senate again.
Ramaswamy, who garnered attention as a long shot in the Republican nomination race, is promoting an “America First 2.0” agenda and has been a strong supporter of Trump, labeling him “the most successful president of our century.”
After a fourth-place finish in the Iowa Caucus last year, Ramaswamy quickly backed Trump and emerged as a key figure on the campaign trail. Following Trump’s election win, they collaborated on the newly established Office of Government Efficiency, alongside Elon Musk.
However, Ramaswamy was soon out of the picture as Trump took office, which allowed Musk to take center stage. Ramaswamy shifted his focus to the governor’s race shortly afterward.
Raised in Evendale, Ohio, by Indian immigrant parents—his father an engineer at General Electric Aviation and his mother a psychiatrist—Ramaswamy now lives in Columbus. He has highlighted education as a key focus of his campaign, emphasizing the need to address perceived crisis levels in educational achievement.
Ramaswamy believes this issue resonates with many, especially parents and recent graduates, asserting, “Ohio needs to be at the forefront in tackling this as it impacts our global standing.”
