Ramaswamy Steps Down from DOGE to Pursue Ohio Governor Bid

Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur and former 2024 presidential candidate, is reportedly stepping down from his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as he prepares to launch a gubernatorial campaign in Ohio.

DOGE, the brainchild of tech mogul Elon Musk, was established as an independent advisory board to assist the White House in slashing government waste. Ramaswamy, who co-headed the initiative with Musk, has yet to formally address his departure or confirm his run for governor. However, reports from POLITICO suggest his announcement is imminent, with a bid for Ohio’s governorship expected next week.

The speculation gained momentum last week when Ramaswamy responded to a parody post on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting he run for governor, calling the idea “not a bad one.”

Adding fuel to the rumors, Ramaswamy was seen celebrating Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States on Monday with Musk. The pair posted a photo captioned “a new dawn,” symbolizing a fresh chapter for their advisory roles and perhaps for Ramaswamy’s political ambitions.

Ramaswamy’s potential candidacy comes at a pivotal moment for Ohio politics. Republican Governor Mike DeWine, term-limited and leaving office in 2027, recently appointed Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to fill the Senate seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance. Husted’s appointment clears the field of a significant rival for the gubernatorial race, paving the way for Ramaswamy’s campaign.

DeWine has predicted that both the Ohio governor’s race and the special Senate election scheduled for 2026 will be “highly competitive.” His statement reflects the growing political stakes in Ohio, a key battleground state.

While Ramaswamy is a relative newcomer to politics with no prior public office experience, his outsider status could work to his advantage. His brief but notable 2024 presidential campaign showcased his ability to articulate bold ideas, earning him national attention before he ultimately endorsed Donald Trump.

If he officially enters the race, Ramaswamy will face a crowded Republican primary in 2026. Yet, his business acumen, combined with his recent alignment with Trump’s vision, could give him a unique edge among Ohio’s conservative base.

As Ohio’s political scene heats up, all eyes are on Ramaswamy to see whether he can translate his private-sector success and national profile into a winning gubernatorial campaign.

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