Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ohio Gubernatorial Campaign Launches $10 Million Ad Buy

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy is kicking off his gubernatorial campaign in Ohio with an unprecedented $10 million ad buy set to begin airing this Thursday. This substantial investment will remain up throughout the general election, with more than 230 days remaining until the big day. Typically, campaigns utilize television ads strategically and then reduce their presence, but Ramaswamy’s fundraising has shattered records in Ohio—he’s raised more than double the previous highest amount. This financial support enables him to outspend his opponents significantly on television advertising.

According to Ramaswamy’s campaign, this ad buy will be continuously featured on broadcast and cable television, as well as streaming and digital platforms, leading up to Election Day in November.

“We’re ramping up our presence, and we’re not pulling back until November,” said Jonathan Ewing, Ramaswamy’s campaign manager, in a statement.

This week, two new television ads will introduce Ramaswamy to Ohio voters by highlighting his background and key values. In one ad titled “The Future of Ohio,” Ramaswamy’s wife, Apoorva, speaks candidly to viewers about their family, including their newborn child.

“Everything comes into perspective when you bring home a new baby,” she shares in the ad. “I’m Apoorva Ramaswamy. Nothing matters more to my husband than being a father. He’s aware of the challenges facing Ohio families. As any parent would want, he desires a community with great schools and a state where hard work can lead to a good life. Vivek is running for governor to ensure every family has a fair chance—this is why the future of Ohio is now.”

The second ad, named “Backing the Blue,” features Ottawa County Sheriff Steven Levertik discussing Ramaswamy’s commitment to supporting law enforcement.

“Safe streets don’t just happen,” he mentions in the ad. “It’s crucial that tough leaders are held accountable. Ohio law enforcement stands behind Vivek Ramaswamy because, similar to President Trump, he has our backs. He gives us the support we need.”

Ramaswamy’s early and ongoing television presence is likely good news for Republicans in Ohio and across the nation. It seems he will be facing Democrat Amy Acton in the November election; he’s in a solid position but also contending with a competitive race for the Senate seat in Ohio. Current polls show Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio), nominated to succeed Vice President J.D. Vance, trailing former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). If Ramaswamy can secure a decisive victory against Acton, it could bolster support for Husted and other Republican candidates.

Ramaswamy received an endorsement from President Donald Trump on his first day campaigning last year and garnered early support from Republicans across Ohio, helping to stave off a chaotic primary challenge. This backing contributed to a fundraising surge, shattering records along the way.

In 2025, a year before the election, Ramaswamy raised an impressive $19.8 million—more than double the prior record set by outgoing Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who had raised $8.4 million in 2017 before the 2018 election. Ramaswamy is now poised to surpass DeWine’s overall fundraising record of $24 million. His campaign has reported receiving 254,883 donations from over 88,950 unique donors, with an average contribution of $76. Impressively, 97% of these donations come from individuals contributing $200 or less.