Vivek Ramaswamy, endorsed by Trump as “young, strong, and smart,” launches a bold campaign for Ohio governor with plans to revolutionize education and eliminate state income tax.
Key Takeaways
- Ramaswamy proposes universal school choice, merit-based teacher pay, and banning cell phones in classrooms.
- He aims to make Ohio a leader in tech industries like biotech and semiconductors.
- Trump’s endorsement boosts Ramaswamy’s position in the GOP primary.
- The candidate plans to potentially eliminate state income tax to stimulate job creation.
- Ramaswamy faces criticism from opponents, including Dave Yost and the Ohio Democratic Party.
A Fresh Face in Ohio Politics
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur and former co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency initiative, has thrown his hat into the ring for Ohio’s gubernatorial race. With no prior experience in statewide office, Ramaswamy positions himself as an outsider ready to shake up Ohio’s state government. His campaign has gained significant traction, bolstered by an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who described Ramaswamy as “a very good person, who truly loves our Country.”
This endorsement has catapulted Ramaswamy to the forefront of the GOP primary, overshadowing other candidates such as Attorney General Dave Yost. Yost, seemingly unfazed, quipped, “I welcome Mr. Ramaswamy to the race for however long he sticks around,” hinting at Ramaswamy’s previous short-lived presidential campaign.
Revolutionary Education Reforms
At the heart of Ramaswamy’s campaign is a comprehensive education reform plan. He advocates for universal school vouchers, aiming to improve Ohio’s current 27th national ranking in public education. “I’ll take Ohio to the next level on school choice, But we also need to equip our public schools to actually compete,” Ramaswamy stated, emphasizing his commitment to enhancing both private and public education sectors.
“The best teachers are, I believe, significantly under-compensated, But we’re not attracting the very best anymore because there’s no meritocracy in compensation.” – Vivek Ramaswamy
His plan includes merit-based pay for teachers, a move designed to attract top talent to the profession. Ramaswamy also proposes banning cell phones in classrooms to create a more focused learning environment. Additionally, he advocates for healthier school food, mandatory U.S. Citizenship Tests for high school seniors, increased police presence in schools, and the promotion of vocational programs.
Economic Vision for Ohio
Ramaswamy’s economic strategy for Ohio is equally ambitious. Leveraging his entrepreneurial background, he aims to position Ohio as a leader in tech-forward industries such as biotech, semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy, and even Bitcoin. This vision aligns with his goal of making Ohio “the state of excellence in America” through unique conservative solutions.
Perhaps his most daring proposal is the potential elimination of the state income tax. This move, Ramaswamy argues, would stimulate job creation and attract talent to Ohio. He plans to achieve this by reducing waste and bureaucracy in the state government, redirecting funds to invest in forward-thinking industries.
Facing Criticism and Competition
Despite his bold vision, Ramaswamy’s campaign has not been without controversy. The Ohio Democratic Party and Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton have criticized his views and social media comments. Ramaswamy, never one to back down from a fight, responded to Acton’s criticism by calling her an “Anthony Fauci knockoff,” showcasing his confrontational style.
“There are conservative solutions and approaches that have not yet been tried in any of the other 50 states, I want Ohio to set the standard” – Vivek Ramaswamy
As the race heats up, Ramaswamy faces stiff competition from both sides of the aisle. Republicans Dave Yost and Heather Hill, along with Democrat Dr. Amy Acton, are all vying for the governorship. However, Ramaswamy’s national recognition from his presidential campaign and Trump’s endorsement give him a unique edge in this crowded field.
A Vision for Ohio’s Future
Ramaswamy’s campaign is built on the premise of long-term thinking and accountability. He emphasizes the importance of decisions that impact future generations and calls for leaders with “skin in the game.” This approach, combined with his outsider status and innovative policy proposals, presents a compelling narrative to Ohio voters tired of business-as-usual politics.
As the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race unfolds, all eyes will be on Vivek Ramaswamy. Will his bold vision for education reform and economic diversification resonate with Ohio voters? Or will his lack of political experience and controversial statements prove to be his downfall? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Ramaswamy’s campaign has injected a new energy into Ohio politics, challenging the status quo and forcing both allies and opponents to reassess their strategies in this crucial battleground state.
Sources:
- Vivek Ramaswamy launches 2026 Ohio governor campaign, picks up Trump endorsement
- Vivek Ramaswamy tells The Post his plan to make Ohio great again: School choice and investment in industry
