Stephen Zenner/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Biotech entrepreneur and former presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has emerged victorious in the Ohio Republican primary for governor, as declared by The Associated Press.
Ramaswamy adopted an assertive yet customary path to secure the nomination. On the day of President Trump’s inauguration, Ramaswamy announced his departure from the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. That same evening, Trump offered his “complete and total endorsement” to Ramaswamy.
On Tuesday, Ramaswamy secured a decisive win over Casey Putsch, a newcomer to politics from northwest Ohio, known for his car design and racing team ownership. Putsch had criticized Ramaswamy based on his South Asian ancestry.
Ramaswamy will face Democrat Dr. Amy Acton in the upcoming general election. In Ohio, a state that has not elected a Democrat as governor in 20 years, the race appears competitive. The Cook Political Report has adjusted the race from a likely Republican win to a slight lean in Ramaswamy’s favor. Despite this, Ramaswamy has considerable financial resources and has amassed significant funding.
Acton, previously the state health director appointed in 2019 by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, was pivotal in Ohio’s COVID pandemic response. She issued orders to limit gatherings, close non-essential businesses, and shut down K-12 schools. Republicans have dubbed her “Dr. Lockdown” and used her pandemic actions as a campaign point against her. Although DeWine has endorsed Ramaswamy, he has defended Acton’s role, stating that pandemic decisions “were made by the governor”.
Acton’s campaign targets the high cost of living, a concern that has frustrated voters with Republicans. She advocates for child tax credits, reducing prescription drug prices, lowering utility costs, and maintaining Medicaid coverage for Ohioans, among other policies.
When Ramaswamy started his campaign in February last year, he initially proposed eliminating property taxes. He has since retreated from this idea, now suggesting “the largest rollback of property taxes in Ohio’s history.” Additionally, he has created concern with his proposal to consolidate or close public universities in the state.
