The endorsement, approved by a supermajority of the Ohio GOP’s State Central Committee, came despite lobbying by Ramaswamy’s main primary opponent, Attorney General Dave Yost, and a last-minute hint by Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel that he might consider joining the race.

The Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee voted on Friday to endorse Vivek Ramaswamy for governor, in a blow to Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH). DeWine reportedly worked behind the scenes to block the 66-member committee from backing Ramaswamy,

Entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy won the Ohio Republican Party's endorsement a year before the 2026 primary.