Ohio business leaders who once supported Democrat Tim Ryan are switching allegiance to Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the 2026 governor’s race. Reports show nearly $220,000 in donations to Ramaswamy came from former Ryan backers in early fundraising.
Prominent contributors include Caryn and Sam Covelli of Mahoning Valley. They donated $10,000 to Ramaswamy this cycle after giving more than $59,000 to Ryan in past cycles. Likewise, business executive Bruce Zoldan gave Ramaswamy $5,000 following contributions exceeding $53,000 to Ryan.
Other notable defectors include Adam Thomarios ($10,000 to Ramaswamy, nearly $17,000 previously to Ryan), and Anthony Manna ($10,000 to Ramaswamy after nearly $25,000 to Ryan between 2005 and 2021). Regina Mitchell gave more than $13,600 to Ramaswamy after a $2,700 donation to Ryan in 2017. Jeff and Lisa Edwards of Columbus donated about $33,000 to Ramaswamy, versus $5,800 to Ryan in 2022.
Campaign strategist Jai Chabria described the shift as more than campaign finance—it signals disillusionment with the “tired model” of traditional Democratic leadership. He said Ohioans are drawn to Ramaswamy’s message of economic growth and fresh ideas.
Ohio GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou called the donor movement “impressive” and evidence of Ramaswamy’s strength. He praised Ramaswamy’s early endorsement by the state GOP and appealed to working-class voters with policies on manufacturing, education, and eliminating the state income tax.
Ramaswamy’s campaign also reported raising $9.7 million from February through June, the most ever raised by an Ohio gubernatorial candidate this early, according to his team. A supportive super PAC has added about $17 million more.
