‘Something special’: Trump endorses Vivek in Ohio governor race; calls him ‘young, strong, smart’

US President Donald Trump has thrown his value down Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy successful the 2026 Ohio politician race, issuing an emphatic endorsement connected Truth Social.

Calling Ohio a authorities helium “loved” and “WON BIG, THREE TIMES,” Trump described Ramaswamy arsenic the campaigner Republicans should unite behind, praising his personality, inheritance and argumentation agenda.“Vivek Ramaswamy is moving for Governor of the Great State of Ohio, a spot I emotion and WON BIG, THREE TIMES, successful 2016, 2020, and 2024! I cognize Vivek well, competed against him, and helium is thing SPECIAL,” Trump wrote. “He is Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is besides a precise bully person, who genuinely loves our Country.”

Trump’s endorsement comes astatine a important infinitesimal for Republicans successful a authorities that has shifted steadily to the close implicit the past decade. The superior tract has mostly cleared astir Ramaswamy, a billionaire entrepreneur and erstwhile co-lead of the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Elon Musk. His run has pitched him arsenic a blimpish outsider with a pro-business, anti-regulation agenda—an attack Trump echoed successful his message.

“As your adjacent Governor, Vivek volition combat tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our present precise Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our ever nether siege Second Amendment,” Trump said, adding: “Vivek Ramaswamy volition beryllium a GREAT Governor of Ohio, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”But the contention is acold from settled. Ohio volition person an unfastened governor’s spot erstwhile Republican incumbent Mike DeWine leaves office, and Democrats are hoping for an opening.

Recent polling has suggested that Democrat Amy Acton, a erstwhile authorities wellness director, is either narrowly up oregon statistically tied with Ramaswamy. Her run says she offers a opposition to a “billionaire Washington insider,” portion Ramaswamy’s squad has dismissed the polling arsenic politically motivated.Still, Trump’s backing remains a large plus for Republicans successful a authorities helium has won comfortably, and wherever his power remains strong. Ramaswamy, whose nationalist illustration grew during his statesmanlike bid, is expected to thin heavy connected Trump’s enactment arsenic helium campaigns crossed the state. The governor’s contention volition beryllium decided successful November 2026, pursuing primaries successful May.