Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy plans to announce his candidacy for governor in his home state of Ohio by the last week of January, a source close to the billionaire biotech entrepreneur tells Fox News Digital. .
Regarding developments regarding his schedule, multiple sources have said that Ramaswamy, who along with Elon Musk is co-leader of President-elect Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, is “likely to begin campaigning for governor soon.” The announcement came two days after he confirmed this to Fox News. . ”
“Vivek’s master plan remains.” [the] It’s about doing well at DOGE and then announcing a run for governor right away,” an Ohio operative familiar with Ramaswamy’s thinking told Fox News on Friday.
Vivek Ramaswamy speaks before former President 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 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 earlier this month, when the vice president-elect resigned ahead of Monday’s inauguration.
Musk and Ramaswamy ignite MAGA war over skilled labor immigration
Before the Senate announcement, Mr. Husted had planned to run for governor in 2026 to replace Mr. DeWine. Mr. Ramaswamy had expressed interest in becoming a senator.
Mr. DeWine’s decision to select Mr. Husted to fill the vacant Senate seat appeared to accelerate Mr. Ramaswamy’s move toward a gubernatorial run.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appoints Lt. Gov. Jon Husted (right) to the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance during a press conference Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. It was announced that. . (AP Photo/Julie Carr Smith)
The 39-year-old Ramaswamy, who started his presidential campaign in February 2023, has emerged as the likely candidate for the Republican Party’s nomination after hitting the jackpot, and his stock price has soared.
Click here for the latest FOX News coverage on Vivek Ramaswamy.
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 Ramaswami supports former President Trump during a campaign event in Atkinson, New Hampshire, on January 16, 2024. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images)
He withdrew his bid for the White House a year ago after falling well short of fourth place in the Iowa caucuses, but quickly endorsed Trump and became the campaign’s top surrogate candidate.
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Ramaswamy was named to head DOGE along with Musk, the world’s richest man, in President Trump’s November announcement.
Once a battleground state in general elections, Ohio has turned red over the past decade as Republicans have gained ground in statewide elections.
Paul Steinhauser is a political reporter based in New Hampshire.
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