Rick Scott Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy's Expected Run for Ohio Governor

MIAMI - Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott endorsed businessman and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in his expected run for governor of Ohio on Monday.

"I’ve had the privilege of working closely with @VivekGRamasway and he is totally focused on trying to save our country," Scott said. "He is a business guy who understands what’s needed to grow jobs, make government efficient and help families prosper. "He would be a fantastic Governor and I hope he runs for Governor of Ohio. If he runs, he has my full support and endorsement."

Vivek Ramaswamy, 39, was born in Cincinnati and most recently a part of the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the Trump administration with Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

A Trump ally, Ramaswamy rose to prominence during the Republican primary debates where he often clashed with former UN ambassador Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

He also attacked the mainstream media and molded himself as a "political outsider", much to the blueprint of Trump. Ramaswamy eventually suspended his presidential campaign after a disappointing performance in the Iowa caucuses and endorsed Trump for president.

Ramaswamy will look to succeed Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. The Ohio gubernatorial election is set for Nov. 3, 2026.

He also was briefly considered to fill Ohio's Senate seat previously held by Vice President J.D. Vance. Dewine eventually appointed Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to the seat last week.

Moving forward, Ramaswamy has reportedly landed advisors in Vance's political team for his soon-to-be gubernatorial run. Both Ramaswamy and Vance are said to have a long-term friendship.

Other candidates announced in the governor's race include Ohio Republican Attorney General David Yost, Republican Treasurer Robert Sprague, and former Democrat Health Director Amy Acton.

Before politics, Ramaswamy graduated from Cincinnati's St. Xavier High School. He then attended Harvard University and later earned a degree from Yale Law School.

If successful in the Republican primary, Ramaswamy could be favored as the next governor of the Buckeye State. Ohio has elected two straight Republican Governors and went for President Trump by 11 points in the 2024 general election.