President Donald Trump announced a major endorsement Thursday, throwing his full support behind former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
The president praised Ramaswamy as “something SPECIAL” and described him as a “very good person” who loves the United States.
Trump, who remains a dominant force in Republican politics, used his Truth Social platform to declare his endorsement, promising that Ramaswamy would “fight tirelessly” to slash taxes, roll back burdensome regulations, and strengthen border security.
“Vivek Ramaswamy will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote.
Thank you, President Trump! Let’s make Ohio greater than ever. 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 https://t.co/7iYRANCaE0
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) November 8, 2025
“Vivek Ramaswamy is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio, a place I love and WON BIG, THREE TIMES, in 2016, 2020, and 2024!”
The president added that he “know[s] Vivek well” after competing against him during the 2024 Republican primaries, describing the biotech entrepreneur as “Young, Strong, and Smart.”
Trump said Ramaswamy would “Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
In response to the President’s endorsement, Ramaswamy shared the Truth Social post on Friday night, which he captioned: “Thank you, President Trump! Let’s make Ohio greater than ever.”
Ramaswamy filed paperwork earlier this year to enter the Ohio governor’s race. In his campaign launch speech, he said he would lead Ohio into a new era of “excellence.”
“We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio, and that is why today, I’m honored to announce that I am running to be the next governor of a great state, at the heart of the greatest nation known to mankind,” Ramaswamy said.
🚨 #BREAKING: Vivek Ramaswamy has officially announced he is running for Governor of Ohio
Polls show Vivek having a MASSIVE lead already, up 28 points in the Republican primary against AG Dave Yost, per National Public Affairs
Good luck @VivekGRamaswamy pic.twitter.com/jWeZZ3eUjx
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 24, 2025
He described the state as where he and his wife, Apoorva, raise their two sons, adding that Ohio’s “best days are still ahead.”
The businessman’s bid for governor is expected to energize the GOP base in the state, with Trump’s endorsement giving him an immediate advantage in what could become a competitive Republican primary.
Ramaswamy’s populist tone and unapologetic embrace of the “America First” message have made him a favorite among Trump loyalists.
Meanwhile, on the East Coast, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) made her long-rumored announcement that she is running for governor of New York, challenging incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul in what is shaping up to be one of the nation’s most heated races.
In a two-and-a-half-minute campaign ad, Stefanik blasted Hochul for rising living costs and for aligning herself with New York City’s far-left leadership.
The ad tied Hochul to incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who was described as “a defund-the-police, tax-hiking, antisemitic communist.”
Kathy Hochul is the Worst Governor in America. Under her failed leadership, New York is the most unaffordable state in the nation with the highest taxes, highest energy, utilities, rent, and grocery bills. When New Yorkers were looking for leadership from our Governor, she bent… pic.twitter.com/HXyQlNIjEj
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) November 7, 2025
The narrator declared, “From the ashes of Kathy Hochul’s failed policies, New York will rise like we always do. The spirit of the Empire State cannot be broken. All we need is a courageous leader ready for the fight. Elise Stefanik will make New York affordable and safe.”
Stefanik, the highest-ranking Republican woman in the House, has repeatedly labeled Hochul “the worst governor in America,” accusing her of transforming New York into one of the most unaffordable states in the country through her progressive policies.
During a Fox News appearance, Stefanik told host Martha MacCallum that her campaign has already attracted a wide coalition of support.
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“There’s been an outpouring of support from Republicans, Democrats, independents, all across our great state,” she said. “Many Democrats who previously supported Kathy Hochul are lining up in support.”
Hochul, 67, responded to Stefanik’s challenge by writing “bring it on” on social media, claiming the Republican candidate would “deliver New York for Donald Trump and raise your costs.”
"MAKE NEW YORK AFFORDABLE AND SAFE AGAIN."@RepStefanik announces her run for New York governor — and joins @FoxNews to break down her platform. pic.twitter.com/jbhIsrBOeL
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) November 7, 2025
Hochul’s campaign also released an ad accusing Stefanik of being beholden to the former president, with the narrator asserting that “Elise Stefanik, she’ll always put Donald Trump ahead of you.”
Despite the Democratic attacks, Stefanik’s campaign is likely to benefit from growing discontent among New Yorkers over high crime rates, rising costs, and the state’s immigration policies.
Hochul has come under fire for her handling of migrant influxes and soft-on-crime policies, which critics argue have made New York City less safe.
Meet Sellout @EliseStefanik. pic.twitter.com/ry7tcw3aZB
— Team Hochul (@TeamHochul) November 7, 2025
In a surprising move, Hochul approved a controversial natural gas pipeline project off the coast of New York City.
The pipeline, backed by President Trump, had been stalled for years by Democrats opposed to fossil fuel projects.
The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation approved a water-quality permit for the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, with Hochul claiming the decision was necessary to “ensure grid reliability and affordability.”
She justified the reversal by blaming “a war against clean energy from Washington Republicans” and insisting her administration supports “an all-of-the-above approach” to energy policy.
Hochul stated, “I am comfortable that in approving the permits, including a water quality certification, for the NESE application, the DEC did just that.”
President Trump had recently called out Hochul on Truth Social, accusing her of stalling key infrastructure projects that could have reduced “OUT OF CONTROL” energy prices.
Stefanik quickly seized on the news, calling Hochul’s decision an act of political desperation.
“Hochul the Hypocrite is back at it again: She just approved a pipeline in New York after years of blocking its construction and denying New Yorkers the cheap, clean, reliable energy they deserve,” Stefanik said in a statement.
“The Worst Governor in America is reading the tea leaves and knows she’s under water in the polls.”
