Vivek Ramaswamy, the co-chair of President-elect Trump’s new “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), plans to run for governor of Ohio, two sources confirmed to The Hill on Friday.
The Ohio governor’s mansion will be up for grabs in 2026, as sitting Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) is term-limited.
One of the sources said Ramaswamy’s plan was to “get accomplishments at DOGE” and then announce his gubernatorial bid.
The Washington Post first reported the news. According to the Post, Ramaswamy’s aim is to announce a gubernatorial bid after DeWine declares who will fill the Senate seat left open as Vice President-elect JD Vance exits the upper chamber. Though Ramaswamy was reportedly considered, DeWine is expected to name Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to the seat.
Ramaswamy is a biotech entrepreneur and former White House contender who, even as he challenged Trump for the Republican nomination in 2024, has long been an ally of the president-elect. He was floated in talk of who could join Trump’s ticket and has called Trump “the best president of the 21st century.”
Trump tapped Ramaswamy and fellow tech mogul Elon Musk to lead DOGE, an advisory group focused on cutting federal spending. Trump has indicated that DOGE’s work should wrap up in mid-2026, which could be just in time for Ramaswamy to make a potential run.
A second source close to Ramaswamy noted the run would only come after achieving some wins in DOGE for the president and the American people.
Same friend, same. I ate it hard at first.