Vivek Ramaswamy Exits Trump’s DOGE, Eyes Ohio Governor Race

WASHINGTON — Vivek Ramaswamy, a prominent biotech entrepreneur and former Republican presidential candidate, is set to leave his role in President Donald Trump‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to launch a campaign for Ohio governor, according to two sources familiar with his plans. The announcement is expected early next week.

Ramaswamy’s departure from DOGE, a federal spending watchdog group he was set to co-lead with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, marks a significant shift in his political trajectory. “He’s leaving DOGE. He’s going to announce early next week for governor,” said one source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It became increasingly clear over the last week that pursuing the governor’s race and running DOGE was not compatible.”

Ramaswamy’s pivot comes as he prepares to enter a crowded Republican field for Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race. The move has already stirred political dynamics in the state, where GOP figures like state Attorney General Dave Yost and state Treasurer Robert Sprague are also eyeing the governor’s seat. Ramaswamy’s decision to leave DOGE was confirmed in a statement from Trump transition spokesperson Anna Kelly, who praised his contributions to the initiative. “He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE,” Kelly said.

Ramaswamy, who briefly challenged Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2023, had previously put his Ohio political ambitions on hold to focus on DOGE. His exit from the federal initiative underscores his renewed focus on state politics. Last week, he met with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, signaling his intent to re-enter the political fray.

At a recent Ohio Republican inaugural ball, Ramaswamy’s brief appearance raised eyebrows among attendees. “He can’t bother to spend more than 45 minutes with 1,400 of the most influential Republicans in Ohio,” said one GOP leader, who criticized the move as “next-level arrogance.”

On the Democratic side, Amy Acton, a former Ohio health director during the COVID-19 pandemic, has already declared her candidacy for governor. Ramaswamy’s entry into the race is expected to intensify competition in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes election.