Vivek Ramaswamy is stepping down from his role in President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reportedly launch a campaign for governor of Ohio. The biotech entrepreneur turned politician said he would make an announcement “very soon” about his plans for the Buckeye State.
A DOGE spokesperson confirmed the news shortly after Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20, thanking Ramaswamy for his contributions over the past two months.
“Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE,” Trump-Vance transition team spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement to Spectrum News. “He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE based on the structure that we announced today. We thank him immensely for his contributions over the last 2 months and expect him to play a vital role in making America great again!”
“Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create DOGE. He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE based on the structure that we announced today. We thank him immensely for his contributions over the last 2 months and…
— Taylor Popielarz (@TaylorPopielarz) January 20, 2025
Meanwhile, after news of his departure became public, Ramaswamy said on X, “It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I’m confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government.”
Ramaswamy added, “I’ll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio. Most importantly, we’re all-in to help President Trump make America great again!”
It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I’m confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government. I’ll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio. Most importantly, we’re all-in to help President Trump make America great again! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/f1YFZm8X13
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 20, 2025
Ramaswamy’s focus for DOGE had been on deregulation efforts, aiming to slash government spending by over $1 trillion. His exit leaves tech mogul Elon Musk in charge, following Trump’s decision to select both men as advisory board leaders.
A source close to Ramaswamy told NBC News that running for the governor’s office in Ohio and staying on the commission wasn’t feasible. The source also emphasized that Ramaswamy is leaving on good terms with Trump and Musk.
Earlier this month, Ramaswamy expressed interest in the Ohio Senate seat formerly held by Vice President JD Vance. Ramaswamy spoke with Gov. Mike DeWine about the opportunity, but ultimately, the lieutenant governor was chosen to fill the vacancy. DeWine is term-limited as governor and cannot seek re-election in 2026.
Ramaswamy will now join two other Republicans in the race for governor. They include Ohio Attorney General David Yost and Heather Hill, former president of a local school board. Former director of the State Department of Health, Dr. Amy Acton, is currently the only Democratic candidate running.
The 39-year-old Ramaswamy briefly campaigned for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination before dropping out and endorsing Trump.
Ohio has become a Republican-leaning state in recent years, with the GOP consistently winning key elections over the past decade.
