Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has launched his bid for Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race with an immediate boost from both Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The early endorsement appears strategically timed to consolidate Republican support and potentially discourage other prominent Republicans. Will Ramaswamy’s lack of statewide office experience hinder his candidacy?
Trump’s Early Endorsement Shifts Ohio’s Political Landscape
President Donald Trump has thrown his full support behind Vivek Ramaswamy in the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race, creating immediate momentum for the former presidential candidate. Trump praised Ramaswamy in his endorsement, stating, “He’s Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country.”
Elon Musk, who serves as a senior advisor to Trump, also endorsed Ramaswamy on the social media platform X, offering his “full endorsement” to the Ohio businessman. The dual endorsements come after speculation of a rift between Musk and Ramaswamy following the latter’s departure from the Department of Government Efficiency they were set to co-lead.
I am honored to officially announce my candidacy to serve as the next Governor of Ohio. pic.twitter.com/HFIR3dLspe
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 24, 2025
Strategic Move to Consolidate Republican Support
The timing of Trump’s endorsement appears calculated to prevent a divided Republican primary field in Ohio. Political consultant Robert Clegg expressed surprise at the early timing, stating, “This is awfully early in the game, and I expected an endorsement maybe later this year—as in, like the fall, or even wait until January.”
Trump’s endorsement record in Ohio has been particularly strong, helping candidates like JD Vance and Bernie Moreno secure Senate victories. This track record may influence other potential candidates’ decisions about entering the race, potentially clearing the field for Ramaswamy well ahead of the primary.
The crowd went wild when I spoke the truth: President Trump is the greatest president of our century. He’s reviving our conviction in America. We need a leader at home who revives our conviction in Ohio. 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6s5u1IX3UN
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) February 25, 2025
Challenges and Opposition Emerge
Despite the high-profile endorsements, Ramaswamy faces criticism from potential rivals within the Republican Party. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost questioned Ramaswamy’s commitment, saying, “I welcome Mr. Ramaswamy to the race for however long he sticks around. We’ll see if he actually stays in—Mr. Ramaswamy quit on President Trump and DOGE on Day 1, he quit on Ohio and moved his company to Texas, and he quit his presidential campaign after a devastating fourth-place finish in Iowa.”
The Buckeye Freedom Fund, which supports Yost, has already launched attack mailings against Ramaswamy, signaling an intense primary battle ahead. Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel, now lieutenant governor, represents another potential challenge as a popular establishment Republican figure who could appeal to moderate voters.