Vivek Ramaswamy Wins Ohio GOP Governor Primary, Will Face Amy Acton

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy secured the Republican nomination for Ohio governor in Tuesday’s primary, setting up a general election contest against Democrat Amy Acton in November. Acton, a former Ohio Department of Public Health director, ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Ramaswamy, a biotech billionaire and former 2024 Republican presidential candidate, defeated Casey Putsch, a small business owner known as “The Car Guy,” in the GOP primary. Another candidate, Heather Hill, was removed from the ballot after her running mate withdrew, as Ohio law requires governor and lieutenant governor candidates to run together.

Ramaswamy’s running mate is state Senate President Rob McColley, while Acton is running with David Pepper, a former Ohio Democratic Party chair. The seat is open due to term limits on Republican Governor Mike DeWine, who won re-election by a wide margin in 2022.

In a statement after his projected victory, Ramaswamy said, “I know the American Dream exists because I’ve lived it right here, in the state where I was born and raised. We’re going to revive that American Dream in Ohio once again — with lower costs, bigger paychecks, and better schools for all Ohioans. I am grateful to everyone who helped us win today’s election by historic margins, and I look forward to a decisive victory again in November.”

Ramaswamy’s campaign is notable for its financial strength. He raised $5 million from donors in early 2026 and loaned himself an additional $25 million, leaving him with about $30 million cash on hand. Acton raised $5.1 million over the same period but reported having $3 million available. Ramaswamy has already launched a $10 million advertising blitz.

Ramaswamy gained national attention during his 2024 presidential bid and subsequently aligned with former President Donald Trump, who endorsed his gubernatorial campaign. He briefly worked with billionaire Elon Musk on a federal Department of Government Efficiency initiative before resigning to focus on his campaign.

Vice President J.D. Vance, an Ohio resident, publicly supported Ramaswamy, stating he voted for him in the primary.

Acton, 60, became a familiar figure in Ohio during her tenure as health director amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She has spoken openly about her challenging upbringing in Youngstown, including experiences with poverty and homelessness. Acton faced significant opposition from right-wing activists during her time in office, including protests with antisemitic messages. She resigned in 2020, citing concerns about potential health orders conflicting with her medical ethics.

The Democratic Governors Association criticized Ramaswamy’s agenda, with executive director Meghan Meehan-Draper saying, “Vivek Ramaswamy is an out-of-touch presidential also-ran whose harmful agenda would drive costs even higher and make life harder for Ohio families already struggling to make ends meet.”

Polls indicate a potentially close race in November in a state that has not elected a Democratic governor in two decades. The contest is expected to be one of the most expensive in Ohio’s history, fueled by Ramaswamy’s personal wealth and fundraising prowess.