US elections: Meet Vivek Ramaswamy, Trump-backed Republican seeking Ohio governorship
Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, is running for Governor of Ohio in the 2026 election. The campaign has drawn attention due to his background and a controversial advertisement involving his opponent's family.
Why it matters
Ramaswamy's transition from national presidential politics to a state-level executive race reflects shifting dynamics within the Republican party.
President Donald Trump-backed Indian-American Republican Vivek Ramaswamy rose to prominence during the 2024 US presidential race, positioning himself as a bold, unconventional candidate. He challenged Trump for the Republican nomination before suspending his campaign in January 2024 and endorsing him.Ramaswamy remains a prominent figure in business and politics and is now the Republican candidate for Ohio governor. He will face Democratic nominee Amy Acton in the November 3 2026, general election.The 40-year-old biotech entrepreneur has recently faced bipartisan criticism over a campaign advertisement featuring Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who calls her daughter a liar. Ramaswamy has defended the advertisement, saying it is about alleged dishonesty rather than Acton's childhood abuse.Who is Vivek Ramaswamy?Born on August 9, 1985, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy is the son of Indian immigrants from Kerala who moved to the US in the 1970s.
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
Democrats Urge Court to Block Justice Department Challenge in Alaska
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in