In a significant turn of events in Ohio’s political landscape, former President Donald Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk announced their endorsements of Vivek Ramaswamy on Monday. Ramaswamy, who previously competed against Trump during the 2024 GOP presidential primary, officially declared his candidacy to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine in the upcoming 2026 election.

Trump’s Strong Endorsement

Trump broke the news on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he praised Ramaswamy as a remarkable candidate. He stated, “VIVEK RAMASWAMY is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio. I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL.”

The former president continued his glowing appraisal, saying, “He’s Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country. He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!”

Musk Joins the Endorsement Bandwagon

Following Trump’s declaration, Elon Musk, who serves as a senior advisor to Trump, lent his support to Ramaswamy shortly thereafter. “Good luck, you have my full endorsement!” he tweeted in a post on the social media platform X, amplifying Ramaswamy’s momentum as he heads into the gubernatorial race.

Launching the Campaign in Cincinnati

Ramaswamy formally launched his gubernatorial campaign during a rally in his hometown of Cincinnati. Addressing a crowd of supporters, he made bold promises about transforming Ohio into “the state of excellence in America.” Ramaswamy challenged skeptics by asserting that his aspirations for the state are not unrealistic.

“In fact, it wasn’t long ago that Ohio was that state,” he remarked. “Today, young people on the internet make fun of something by saying ‘that’s so Ohio.’ But less than a century ago, people weren’t making fun of Ohio; they were aspiring to be Ohio.”

Ramaswamy’s Political Journey

At just 39, Ramaswamy has already made significant strides in politics, having withdrawn from the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race to endorse Trump and subsequently become one of his prominent surrogates. His commitment to the Republican Party and his alignment with Trump’s policies has positioned him favorably within the GOP as he pivots to a gubernatorial run.

Strategic Support Network

As Ramaswamy gears up for his campaign, he has enlisted the help of top political advisors from Senator J.D. Vance’s team, indicating a strategic approach to maximizing his appeal and effectiveness in campaigning. This backing not only reinforces his credibility but also reflects the unification within the party as they rally behind Ramaswamy’s vision for Ohio.

The Road Ahead

With both Trump and Musk endorsing him, Ramaswamy is poised to leverage this high-profile support as he embarks on his gubernatorial campaign. His experience in the presidential primary and connections within the GOP may serve him well in navigating the complex political landscape of Ohio. The fundraising and voter outreach strategies that he employs in the coming months will be critical as he aims to win the support of Ohio voters.