Vivek Ramaswamy Throws His Hat into the 2026 Ohio Governor’s Race with a Vision for Excellence

A Vision for Ohio’s Future: Excellence in Education and Beyond

Vivek Ramaswamy, the 39-year-old entrepreneur and former GOP presidential candidate, officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race during a fiery speech in Cincinnati. Speaking exclusively to The Post before the event, Ramaswamy outlined his ambitious vision to transform Ohio into the “state of excellence in America.” At the heart of his platform is a bold plan to revamp the state’s education system, which he believes is in crisis. “There are conservative solutions and approaches that have not yet been tried in any of the other 50 states,” he said, emphasizing that Ohio can set the standard for innovation and progress.

Ramaswamy’s education policy proposals are both sweeping and controversial. He aims to maintain universal school choice while introducing performance-based pay for public school teachers, arguing that the current system fails to attract and retain top teaching talent. “The best teachers are, I believe, significantly under-compensated,” he remarked, adding that a merit-based compensation system would make Ohio a magnet for skilled educators. He also called for banning cell phones in schools, citing clear evidence that their removal improves academic performance and helps close the achievement gap. Additionally, he proposed requiring a civics test for high school graduation to foster patriotism and a deeper understanding of American history and values.

A Commitment to Public Schools and Teacher Unions

While Ramaswamy’s proposals may spark debate, he stressed that he is not abandoning Ohio’s public schools, which currently rank 27th in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. “I’ll take Ohio to the next level on school choice,” he said, “but we also need to equip our public schools to actually compete.” This dual approach reflects his belief that school choice and public school reform are not mutually exclusive but can coexist to create a more competitive and thriving education ecosystem.

Ramaswamy also addressed the potential resistance he may face from teacher unions, acknowledging that his push for performance-based pay could lead to conflicts. “I don’t plan to wage war on public school teachers’ unions,” he said, “but I won’t back down from a fight if that’s necessary.” His willingness to take on tough battles underscores his determination to prioritize the prosperity, health, and education of Ohio’s children.

A Vision for Ohio’s Economic Future

Beyond education, Ramaswamy’s platform includes a broader economic vision for Ohio. During his speech, he called for slashing bureaucracy and waste, a theme he revisited from his earlier role leading President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He also proposed ambitious plans to invest in emerging industries such as semiconductor production, nuclear energy, biotech, and Bitcoin, positioning Ohio as a leader in the next wave of innovation. “In the first industrial revolution, Ohio led the way in rubber and glass production,” he noted. “I believe Ohio can lead the way again.”

To attract businesses and talent, Ramaswamy even floated the idea of eventually eliminating Ohio’s state income tax. His ultimate goal is to make Ohio a hub for economic growth and opportunity, akin to how Silicon Valley has dominated the tech industry in recent decades. “Silicon Valley led the way for the last ten years,” he said, “and I want it to be the Ohio River Valley for the next ten on my watch.”

The Race for Governor: A Crowded Field and High Stakes

Ramaswamy’s candidacy enters a crowded Republican field, with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and former school board member Heather Hill already in the race. On the Democratic side, former state health department director Dr. Amy Acton is the sole candidate so far. Ramaswamy’s campaign will likely hinge on his ability to distinguish himself as a bold and visionary leader capable of addressing Ohio’s challenges.

His background as a successful entrepreneur and founder of the biotech company Roivant Sciences, valued at over $7 billion, adds credibility to his economic agenda. Additionally, his experience on the national stage during the 2024 presidential primaries, where he became the youngest Republican candidate at 37, has prepared him for the scrutiny and demands of a high-profile campaign. Although President Trump has not endorsed Ramaswamy yet, speculation persists that he may throw his support behind the candidate, given their shared conservative ideals.

A Personal Mission to Empower Future Generations

Ramaswamy’s campaign is deeply personal, driven by his commitment to uplifting younger generations and ensuring they inherit a thriving Ohio. “The decisions we make are going to fall on the shoulders of the next generation,” he said. As a parent of two young sons, he emphasized the urgency of creating a state that fosters excellence, patriotism, and opportunity. His wife, Apoorva, an otolaryngologist, shares his dedication to family and community, and their story of immigrant success—his father was an Indian immigrant and aerospace engineer—adds a personal touch to his vision for Ohio’s future.

In many ways, Ramaswamy’s candidacy represents a blend of conservative values, entrepreneurial ingenuity, and a forward-looking vision for Ohio. Whether his bold proposals and unapologetic style resonate with voters will determine his success in the 2026 gubernatorial race. One thing is clear: Vivek Ramaswamy is ready to fight for a brighter future for Ohio, and his announcement marks the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic and consequential campaign.