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Ramaswamy Consolidates Ohio GOP Governor Race as Husted Enters Bruising 2026 Senate Contest

A joint Columbus rally showcased cross-endorsements that link Ohio’s governor and Senate contests.

Republicans U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, left, candidate for Senate in 2026, and Vivek Ramaswamy, right, candidate for Ohio Governor in 2026, are pictured at an event where they endorsed each other in Columbus, Ohio, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, candidate for Senate in 2026, speaks in Columbus, Ohio, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, where he endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy, candidate for Ohio Governor in 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
FILE - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, speaks at a campaign rally, Oct. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File)
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Overview

  • Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel declined a 2026 bid for governor, reinforcing Vivek Ramaswamy’s status as the GOP frontrunner with President Donald Trump’s backing and the Ohio Republican Party’s endorsement.
  • Ramaswamy and Sen. Jon Husted cross-endorsed at a packed Columbus event, signaling coordinated statewide campaigns as Republicans seek to defend the Senate seat and hold the governorship.
  • Ramaswamy has raised nearly $10 million and is outlining priorities that include eliminating the state income tax, expanding economic and educational opportunities, and keeping young Ohioans in-state.
  • Speculation around Ramaswamy’s running mate centers on Senate President Rob McColley, who voiced strong support at the event, with slates due by February and several other statewide Republicans floated.
  • Husted, appointed in January to the Senate seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance, faces Democrat Sherrod Brown in a highly financed 2026 race after Brown’s August launch and rapid early fundraising.