By Ritu Jha-
Indian-origin entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is considering a run for Ohio governor after a reported rift with allies of former President Donald Trump.
Ramaswamy, 39, announced Monday on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he is returning to Ohio, just hours after Trump’s inauguration. He had been expected to co-head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk but opted to stay out of the newly formed department.
“It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I’m confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government. I’ll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio. Most importantly, we’re all-in to help President Trump make America great again!” Ramaswamy wrote.
Anna Kelly, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team, confirmed Ramaswamy’s departure, stating, “His plan to run for governor requires him to remain outside of DOGE based on the structure that we announced today.”
Speculation about Ramaswamy’s political future intensified after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Vice President J.D. Vance. With DeWine term-limited in 2026, the governor’s race is already drawing attention.
Dr. Amit Desai, founding director of the U.S.-India Relationship Council, expressed support for Ramaswamy’s potential candidacy, saying, “Being Ohio governor is a very powerful place… If he runs, we will do funding for him. Anyone who is pro-India, our community is with them.”
However, Ramaswamy’s polarizing statements on immigration and work visas could complicate his campaign. His comments on H1-B visas, in which he criticized American culture for “venerating mediocrity over excellence,” drew backlash from both immigrant communities and conservative allies.
A Republican strategist close to Trump’s advisers told Politico, “He just burned through the bridges and finally burned Elon… everyone wants him out of Mar-a-Lago, out of DC.”
Meanwhile, Democratic physician Amy Acton, who served as DeWine’s health director during the COVID-19 pandemic, has declared her candidacy for governor, according to NBC News.
Ohio’s role as a political bellwether ensures that its gubernatorial race will attract national attention. Ramaswamy’s next move could test his ability to rebuild relationships and navigate a field that’s likely to be highly competitive.