Vivek Ramaswamy, a 39-year-old biotech billionaire and former co-chair of President Donald Trump’s initiative, secured the Ohio Republican Party’s gubernatorial endorsement, backed by Trump and a last-minute endorsement from Donald Trump Jr. Despite objections and concerns about taking sides early, the party’s governing board held a closed-door debate and vote in Ramaswamy’s favor. This move dealt a blow to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who is also vying for the governorship.

Ramaswamy, an unsuccessful 2024 presidential candidate, expressed confidence in his campaign’s strong position following the endorsement. He emphasized a focus on appealing to all voters and addressing key state issues such as population growth, energy shortages, and education deficiencies. Ramaswamy’s candidacy comes after considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Vice President JD Vance.

In contrast, Yost, a primary rival, opted not to attend the endorsement meeting due to prior commitments. The decision to endorse Ramaswamy was supported by other statewide officeholders, with Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Treasurer Robert Sprague advocating for him. Meanwhile, another gubernatorial candidate, Heather Hill, criticized the endorsement process as unfair, advocating for party neutrality until the primary.

As the 2026 gubernatorial race in Ohio unfolds, Ramaswamy’s early endorsement sets the stage for a competitive primary election, with a diverse field of candidates vying for the opportunity to lead the state.