🚨 OHIO POLITICS SHAKEN: MIKE DEWINE’S EXPLOSIVE ENDORSEMENT OF VIVEK RAMASWAMY SENDS SHOCKWAVES THROUGH THE 2026 GOVERNOR RACE.c1

In a public statement delivered Wednesday morning, Gov. Mike DeWine announced that he is endorsing Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for governor in the upcoming 2026 election. DeWine described Ramaswamy’s candidacy as a compelling choice to continue Ohio’s economic momentum and leadership on issues ranging from business growth to family opportunity.

“With the election year upon us, I am joining Republicans across Ohio in supporting our dynamic ticket for Governor, led by Vivek Ramaswamy,” DeWine said in his endorsement statement. “Ohio is winning new business projects from the coasts, and Vivek will keep the momentum going. Vivek Ramaswamy knows that Ohio is the best state to build a business, raise a family, and pursue your vision of the American dream.”

This move indicates a pivotal moment in the race: an incumbent Republican — who initially hesitated to back any candidate — has now entered the fray, giving Ramaswamy a visible boost across the state’s Republican base.

Earlier in the campaign, DeWine had not immediately endorsed Ramaswamy, despite significant pressure from GOP leaders to unify early. As recently as late December 2025, DeWine publicly stated he was still getting to know Ramaswamy and evaluating key policy positions before offering official support.

But DeWine’s position shifted after Ramaswamy made a strategic decision in the race: selecting Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his lieutenant governor running mate. McColley brings deep experience in the state legislature and a reputation for political pragmatism that complements Ramaswamy’s outsider profile.

In his endorsement, DeWine specifically pointed to this ticket balance as a strength for the future of Ohio’s governance, underscoring McColley’s respect among lawmakers and his capacity to deliver geographic and political balance to the campaign.

Vivek Ramaswamy — an Ohio native, biotech entrepreneur, and former 2024 Republican presidential candidate — surged into the state race with a message of economic revival, cultural toughness, and a broad rejection of victimhood politics. He has focused on deregulation, workforce empowerment, and positioning Ohio as a launchpad for innovation.

Though he won the early GOP endorsement from the Ohio Republican Party back in May 2025, DeWine’s endorsement now adds institutional strength that many saw as missing from Ramaswamy’s campaign — especially among older, more established Republicans.

“This endorsement from Gov. DeWine validates the campaign’s direction and goals,” a Ramaswamy spokesperson said. “It shows that Ohio Republicans are ready to unify behind a vision that champions opportunity, economic growth, and an unwavering commitment to the American Dream.”

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