Ohio AG Drops Out Of Governor’s Race, Giving Vivek Ramaswamy Clear Path To GOP Nomination

Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has a clear path to the GOP nomination for Ohio governor after the state’s attorney general, Dave Yost, announced on Friday that he is suspending his short-lived campaign.

Yost said his chances went from a “steep climb” to “a vertical cliff” after the Ohio GOP through its support behind Ramaswamy last week for the 2026 race, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

“I do not wish to divide my political party or my state with a quixotic battle over the small differences between my vision and that of my opponent. I am simply not that important,” Yost added.

President Donald Trump backed Ramaswamy’s bid immediately after the tech entrepreneur launched his campaign in February. Ramaswamy was initially set to work in the Trump administration alongside Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, but it was revealed on Inauguration Day that he would not serve in that role.

Yost said he wants Republicans to focus on defeating Democrats instead of a “family squabble.”

“Columbus needs re-engineering, not demolition,” Yost wrote in a letter to his supporters. “Sherrod Brown and the risky progressive ideas of his party will unwind all of the good that the last 15 years of Republican leadership has brought. This is a time to protect Ohio, not a time for a family squabble.”

Ramaswamy praised Yost in a statement and said that the attorney general will continue to play a role in the state’s political future.

“Congratulations to Dave on running a thoughtful campaign,” Ramaswamy said. “He has served Ohio with great dedication, and I am confident he will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of our state and our nation.”

While the Ohio GOP rallies behind Ramaswamy, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel — the former Ohio State football coach — said last week that he is considering jumping into the race, NBC News reported. Tressel was tapped by current Republcian Gov. Mike DeWine to become lieutenant governor after Jim Husted was appointed to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Vice President JD Vance.

“What has been a surprise, and it has been humbling, is how many people are encouraging me to run for Governor,” Tressel said.

“I have not decided yet, but when I became Lieutenant Governor in February, Ellen told me that it seemed like God had more work for me to do, and she was right,” he added, referring to his wife. “While I have not ruled out a run for Governor — and there will be a time in the future for those conversations — for now, I will remain focused on helping Ohioans get off the sidelines and into our workforce so they can reach their full potential.”

In the GOP primary, Ramaswamy’s only declared opponent is Heather Hill, the former president of the Morgan County, Ohio, School Board, who is running a longshot bid.

On the Democratic side, the former director of the Ohio Department of Health, Amy Acton, is the only candidate who has jumped into the race. Along with former Sen. Brown, former U.S. Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan has expressed interest in running for Ohio governor.