Biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has clinched the Republican nomination for Ohio governor.

Ramaswamy will face Democrat Dr. Amy Acton, who served as Ohio’s state health director in the early days of COVID-19, in November’s general election.

NBC News shared further:

Ramaswamy, 40, defeated Casey Putsch, a political novice known for his “car guy” videos on YouTube. Putsch’s campaign played out largely through social media missives, some of them targeting Ramaswamy’s Indian American heritage. A third GOP candidate, Heather Hill, was removed from the ballot under a provision in state law after her running mate for lieutenant governor withdrew from the race.

Ramaswamy’s running mate for lieutenant governor is state Senate President Rob McColley. Acton is running with David Pepper, a former Ohio Democratic Party chair and past nominee for state attorney general and auditor.

Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, is term-limited.

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Polls suggest a potentially close race between Acton and Ramaswamy in a state that has not elected a Democrat as governor in 20 years. DeWine won re-election four years ago over former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley by 25 points — a testament to a unique brand that attracted independent and even some Democratic voters.

“Vivek Ramaswamy is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio, a place I love and WON BIG, THREE TIMES, in 2016, 2020, and 2024! I know Vivek well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL. He is Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country. As your next Governor, Vivek will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment,” President Trump said on Tuesday.

“Vivek Ramaswamy will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” he added.

“Vivek Ramaswamy will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio,” the Ohio Republican Party stated.

Vice President JD Vance said he voted for Ramaswamy in the Ohio primaries.

WKYC shared more from the Democratic side:

Former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is the lone Democrat on the primary ballot for governor. The 60-year-old was a household name in the state during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a beloved source of comfort to many viewers of the governor’s daily news conferences. Her position as the face of the DeWine administration’s aggressive stance against the virus also earned Acton many enemies, among them Statehouse Republicans and average Ohioans who opposed pandemic restrictions.

During the crisis, Acton (with the support of DeWine) used the health director’s broad emergency powers to halt the state’s 2020 presidential primary, to temporarily close gyms and fitness centers around the state, and to impose stay-at-home orders as the administration tried to prevent COVID’s spread. After a grueling period of public exposure, angry demonstrations, lawsuits and personal attacks, Acton resigned in June 2020. DeWine sent her off fondly, describing her as a hero in a white coat. She stayed on as his chief health adviser until that August.

After leaving government, Acton joined the Columbus Foundation as a grants director with the title “vice president for Human:Kind.” She later took on a job as director of the city of Columbus’ Project L.O.V.E., an initiative aimed at encouraging early vaccinations in children. She also served as a contributor to 3News during our “Health, Hope & Healing” series in 2023.

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Acton has never held elected office, but did explore a run for the U.S. Senate in 2022.

 

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