Vivek Ramaswamy, who left the department of government efficiency (Doge) for Ohio’s governor, has finally submitted the official documentation, promising a distinctive approach to the traditional gubernatorial campaign.
The biotech entrepreneur, who previously sought the Republican presidential nomination, marked February 14 by submitting official documentation to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, setting his sights on the 2026 election.
At 39, the Cincinnati-born Ramaswamy has yet to make a formal campaign announcement, though he has consistently suggested his interest in state-level political office.
“Big announcement in Ohio coming on February 24. It won’t be your usual gubernatorial dog-and-pony show,” he informed The New York Post on Saturday.
According to Associated Press reports, he plans to launch his campaign on February 24 at Cincinnati’s CTL Aerospace Inc., followed by an address at Axium Packaging near Columbus.
His schedule includes appearances at Glass City Center in Toledo and The Local Bar in Strongsville, a Cleveland suburb, the following day.
A website, apparently for his campaign, anticipates “a big announcement” and bears the funding attribution “Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio.”
His gubernatorial aspirations became evident after declining to serve alongside Elon Musk in leading the new Department of Government Efficiency last month.
Ramaswamy joins the Republican primary to replace term-limited Governor Mike DeWine, competing against Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and former Buckeye State Martin Luther King Jr. Commission member Heather Hill.
The field changed when former Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted withdrew after his appointment to the US Senate seat previously held by Vice President JD Vance.
Ramaswamy has secured support from two current Republican state officials: Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Treasurer Robert Sprague.