Ohio’s GOP Governor Has Still Not Endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy

India-West News Desk

CINCINNATI, OH – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has not yet endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy, his fellow Republican, in the race to succeed him, saying he wants more time to understand the candidate and his positions before offering formal support.

The Ohio Republican Party and President Donald Trump have already endorsed him in the governor’s race.

In comments to the Ohio Capital Journal on December 15, DeWine said he views endorsements as a serious step and believes their influence is often overstated. He said he has met Ramaswamy “only a few times” and is still in the process of getting to know him through ongoing discussions. DeWine added that while he fully expects to endorse the Republican nominee for governor, he wants to be confident in that decision.

“I think it is a process,” DeWine said. “An endorsement is a serious thing. I am not sure people really care who endorses whom. Ultimately it comes down to the candidate. I want to get to know him, and I am still doing that.”

DeWine expanded on those remarks during an on the record press breakfast on December 11 at the Governor’s Residence outside Columbus. He confirmed that he has had multiple conversations with Ramaswamy and expects more policy focused discussions in the months ahead.

Ramaswamy, a newly minted billionaire, has never held elected office. He gained national attention during a long shot 2024 presidential campaign that cast him as an outspoken political outsider.

On the Democratic side, Ramaswamy is expected to face former Ohio health director Amy Acton, whose public profile rose during the state response to the covid 19 pandemic.