Trump Urges Ramaswamy to Consider Ohio Senate Seat Amid Political Shifts

CLEVELAND — Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, is in discussions to fill Ohio‘s vacant U.S. Senate seat, according to sources familiar with the matter. President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly encouraged Ramaswamy to accept the appointment if offered by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.

The potential appointment marks a reversal for Ramaswamy, who previously indicated that his work with billionaire Elon Musk on Trump’s government efficiency team, known as DOGE, would preclude him from seeking the Senate seat. However, recent meetings between Ramaswamy and DeWine have reignited speculation about his political future.

DeWine, who must appoint a replacement for Vice President-elect JD Vance, has been deliberating over several candidates, including Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and former state GOP chair Jane Timken. Husted, long considered the frontrunner, has reportedly expressed reservations about accepting the Senate appointment, as he is preparing to run for governor in 2026.

Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati native now residing in the Columbus area, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and is seen by many as a rising star within the Republican Party. His recent social media posts criticizing American “mediocrity” and advocating for high-skilled immigration reform have resonated with Trump’s MAGA base.

“DJT is tired of him,” said a source close to Trump, referring to Ramaswamy by his initials. “Wants him in a new role.” The source added that Trump views the Senate seat as an opportunity to solidify Ramaswamy’s political career.

Ramaswamy’s potential appointment could set the stage for a contentious GOP primary in 2026, as both he and Husted are rumored to be considering runs for governor. DeWine, who is term-limited, has not publicly endorsed a successor but is said to favor Husted.

The appointee will serve alongside Sen. Bernie Moreno for two years before facing a special election in November 2026. The winner of that election will serve the remainder of Vance’s term, which ends in 2028.

Spokespeople for DeWine and Ramaswamy declined to comment on the ongoing discussions. Trump aides also did not respond to requests for comment.

Ramaswamy, a Harvard and Yale Law School graduate, founded a pharmaceutical company and an asset management firm before launching his presidential campaign. After ending his bid, he became a key ally of Trump’s and was tapped to co-lead DOGE alongside Musk.

It remains unclear how Ramaswamy’s potential Senate appointment would impact his role in DOGE, which is not an official government agency. The group’s focus on cutting government spending has been a cornerstone of Trump’s post-election agenda.

DeWine has indicated that he plans to announce his choice for the Senate seat “probably” this week. The decision could have significant implications for Ohio’s political landscape and the future of the Republican Party.