Ohio GOP endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for governor in blow to DeWine

The Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee voted on Friday to endorse Vivek Ramaswamy for governor, in a blow to Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH).

DeWine reportedly worked behind the scenes to block the 66-member committee from backing Ramaswamy, who has the support of President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, a former Ohio senator.

The endorsement is also a blow to former Ohio State University football coach and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, who was considering entering the gubernatorial race, as well as Attorney General Dave Yost, who is running to succeed DeWine.

The state party’s endorsement gives Ramaswamy advantageous access to party resources over challengers.

“Grateful to receive the endorsement of the Ohio Republican Party by a historic 60-3 margin,” Ramaswamy wrote on X. “We’re laser focused on growing our Republican voter base & delivering a decisive victory in ‘26. This isn’t about left vs. right. It’s up vs. down. We’ll work hard to earn every last vote.”