US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy in the 2026 Ohio governor race, issuing an emphatic endorsement on Truth Social.
Calling Ohio a state he “loved” and “WON BIG, THREE TIMES,” Trump described Ramaswamy as the candidate Republicans should unite behind, praising his personality, background and policy agenda.
“Vivek Ramaswamy is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio, a place I love and WON BIG, THREE TIMES, in 2016, 2020, and 2024! I know Vivek well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL,” Trump wrote.
“He is Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country.”
Trump’s endorsement comes at a crucial moment for Republicans in a state that has shifted steadily to the right over the last decade. The primary field has largely cleared around Ramaswamy, a billionaire entrepreneur and former co-lead of the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk. His campaign has pitched him as a conservative outsider with a pro-business, anti-regulation agenda—an approach Trump echoed in his message.
“As your next Governor, Vivek will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump said, adding: “Vivek Ramaswamy will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
But the race is far from settled. Ohio will have an open governor’s seat once Republican incumbent Mike DeWine leaves office, and Democrats are hoping for an opening. Recent polling has suggested that Democrat Amy Acton, a former state health director, is either narrowly ahead or statistically tied with Ramaswamy. Her campaign says she offers a contrast to a “billionaire Washington insider,” while Ramaswamy’s team has dismissed the polling as politically motivated.
Still, Trump’s backing remains a major asset for Republicans in a state he has won comfortably, and where his influence remains strong. Ramaswamy, whose national profile grew during his presidential bid, is expected to lean heavily on Trump’s support as he campaigns across the state. The governor’s race will be decided in November 2026, following primaries in May.
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