Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has suspended his campaign for the 2026 gubernatorial race, effectively clearing the Republican primary field for biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Yost cited the Ohio Republican Party’s recent endorsement of Ramaswamy as a pivotal factor in his decision, describing the path to nomination as a “vertical cliff.”
In an email to supporters, Yost expressed his reluctance to divide the party over minor policy differences, stating, “I do not wish to divide my political party or my state with a quixotic battle over the small differences between my vision and that of my opponent.” He emphasized the importance of party unity to counter potential Democratic gains in the state.
Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native and former CEO of Roivant Sciences, officially launched his gubernatorial campaign in February 2025. His platform includes eliminating income taxes, implementing work requirements for welfare programs, expanding school choice, and emphasizing merit-based education reforms. He has also pledged to eliminate “woke indoctrination” and reintroduce traditional civics education.
President Donald Trump endorsed Ramaswamy’s candidacy on the day of his campaign launch, stating, “Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country. He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!” Elon Musk also expressed his support for Ramaswamy’s bid.
The Ohio Republican Party’s State Central Committee voted overwhelmingly to endorse Ramaswamy, marking the earliest the state party has ever endorsed a non-incumbent gubernatorial candidate. This endorsement has significantly bolstered Ramaswamy’s position in the race.
While Ramaswamy currently stands as the leading Republican candidate, former Ohio State football coach and current Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel has indicated he is considering entering the race. Tressel, appointed lieutenant governor by Governor Mike DeWine, has acknowledged encouragement from supporters to run for governor but has not yet made a formal decision.
On the Democratic side, former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton is the sole declared candidate for governor. Other potential Democratic contenders include former U.S. Representative Tim Ryan.
