Ramaswamy picks up key endorsement from DeWine in Ohio governor race

Republican Vivek Ramaswamy picked up a key endorsement in the Ohio governor’s race on Wednesday from the state’s term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine (R).

“With the election year upon us, I am joining Republicans across Ohio in supporting our dynamic ticket for Governor, led by Vivek Ramaswamy,” DeWine said in a statement shared online.

The endorsement came hours after Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur who ran an unsuccessful bid for president in 2024, and Amy Acton, a former Ohio health director and the leading Democratic candidate, announced their picks for lieutenant governor. 

Joining the GOP ticket is Ohio state Senate President Rob McColley (R), who adds governing experience to the bid, Ramaswamy acknowledged this week.

“The first important decision any Governor makes is who will be his or her choice for Lieutenant Governor,” DeWine said, calling McColley “a great pick.” 

“Ohio is winning new business projects from the coasts, and Ramaswamy will keep the momentum going,” the governor added.

Ramaswamy also has endorsements from the Ohio GOP and from President Trump, whose Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) the candidate helped to launch last year alongside tech billionaire Elon Musk — who has also thrown his support behind Ramaswamy.

A Republican has held the Ohio governor’s mansion since 2010. Cook Political Report rates the seat “likely Republican,” one step short of being solidly in the GOP column.