Ohio Governor Race 2026: Ramaswamy Secures GOP Nomination
Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, won the Republican primary for Ohio governor on Tuesday, according to projections from the Associated Press, NBC News, and CBS News. He will face Democrat Amy Acton, the former state health director, in the November general election.
"We are grateful for the historic margin of victory and look forward to a decisive victory in the general election." — Vivek Ramaswamy
Primary Results
Ramaswamy secured approximately 40% of the Republican primary vote, defeating Casey Putsch, a car designer and racing team owner who received 30%. Heather Hill, a Morgan County school board member, appeared on the ballot but the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that votes for her would not be counted due to state law requiring governor and lieutenant governor candidates to run on a joint ticket. On the Democratic side, Amy Acton ran unopposed for the nomination.
Candidates and Running Mates
- Vivek Ramaswamy (Republican): Lieutenant governor running mate is state Senate President Rob McColley.
- Amy Acton (Democrat): Running mate is David Pepper, former Ohio Democratic Party chair.
Campaign Background
Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, is term-limited and cannot seek reelection. Ohio has not elected a Democratic governor in 20 years. The Cook Political Report shifted the race from "likely Republican" to "leans Republican," and polls indicate a potentially competitive general election.
President Donald Trump endorsed Ramaswamy on January 20, after Ramaswamy left his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he was co-lead with Elon Musk. A DOGE spokesperson stated Ramaswamy left to focus on running for office. The Ohio Republican Party also supported Ramaswamy. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost initially entered the race but withdrew after the endorsements. Former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel was expected to run but decided not to, clearing the field.
President Trump won Ohio by 11 points in the 2024 election.
Candidate Positions
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Ramaswamy: Initially proposed eliminating property taxes but now advocates for "the largest rollback of property taxes in the history of Ohio." He has also proposed consolidating or closing public universities.
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Acton: Focuses on cost of living issues, including child tax credits, reducing prescription drug costs, lowering utility costs, and maintaining Medicaid access.
Campaign Finances
Ramaswamy reported raising $25 million from donors and contributing $25 million of his own money. He told Fox News in 2025 he would donate $30 million to his own campaign. Filings show he raised $5 million in the first quarter of 2026 and loaned his campaign $25 million, with more than $30 million on hand as of April. Acton raised $5.1 million over the same period and had $3 million cash on hand.
Statements
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Vivek Ramaswamy: Said he is grateful for the historic margin of victory and looks forward to a decisive victory in the general election.
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Meghan Meehan-Draper (Executive Director of the Democratic Governors Association): Called Ramaswamy an out-of-touch presidential also-ran whose agenda would harm Ohio families.
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Vice President JD Vance: Stated on Tuesday that he voted for Ramaswamy.
Background on Acton's Tenure as Health Director
Acton served as state health director under Governor Mike DeWine from 2019. She implemented pandemic restrictions including limits on gatherings, business closures, and school closures. She became a target of protests and criticism, including antisemitic messages. She resigned in June 2020, later citing concern she might be forced to sign health orders violating her Hippocratic oath. Republicans have criticized her pandemic response, referring to her as "Dr. Lockdown." DeWine has defended Acton's work but endorsed Ramaswamy.