Opponent Drops Out, Leaving Ramaswamy As GOP Favorite For Ohio Governor

India-West News Desk

CINCINNATI, OH – Vivek Ramaswamy is now the clear frontrunner for the Republican nomination in the 2026 Ohio governor’s race, following Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s decision to suspend his campaign. Yost’s exit comes just a week after the Ohio Republican Party formally endorsed Ramaswamy, reshaping the GOP primary landscape and giving the biotech entrepreneur-turned-political heavyweight a major boost.

Yost, who had been widely expected to mount a strong challenge, told supporters on May 16 that the path to the nomination had become insurmountable. “What was once a steep climb is now a vertical cliff,” he said. “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. I am simply not that important.”

His decision clears the field — at least for now — for Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native who rose to national prominence during his 2024 presidential campaign. Although he ultimately fell short in the GOP presidential primaries, Ramaswamy’s energetic message, outsider appeal, and high-profile endorsements helped cement his status as a rising star within the Republican Party.

However, the primary field may not be settled just yet. Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel — a legendary Ohio State football coach turned politician — is reportedly weighing a run. Tressel has not formally entered the race but is said to be seriously considering it, especially with the encouragement of outgoing Governor Mike DeWine, who remains influential in Ohio Republican circles.

Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, speculation is growing around a potential political comeback by outgoing U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, The Hill said. Though Brown has announced plans to leave the Senate, he has left the door open for a future run — possibly for governor.