We reported earlier today that President Donald Trump had a good night in Indiana on Tuesday, when five of the six primary candidates he backed defeated RINO incumbents in the State legislature who refused to redistrict this year because of their Trump Derangement Syndrome.
But another top figure in Trump World, whom the president also backed, had a good night: Vivek Ramaswamy, who won the GOP primary and could become Ohio’s next governor.
Decision Desk HQ projects Vivek Ramaswamy wins the OH Governor Republican Primary#DecisionMade: 7:37 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/46id0O4aAL
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) May 5, 2026
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy has won Ohio’s Republican primary for governor, NBC News projects, advancing to what could be an expensive and competitive general election in a state that has been brutal for Democrats in recent elections.
Amy Acton, a former state health director, won the Democratic nomination Tuesday without opposition.
Ramaswamy, 40, defeated Casey Putsch, a political novice known for his “car guy” videos on YouTube. Putsch’s campaign played out largely through social media missives, some of them targeting Ramaswamy’s Indian American heritage. A third GOP candidate, Heather Hill, was removed from the ballot under a provision in state law after her running mate for lieutenant governor withdrew from the race.
Ramaswamy’s running mate for lieutenant governor is state Senate President Rob McColley. Acton is running with David Pepper, a former Ohio Democratic Party chair and past nominee for state attorney general and auditor.
Ohio, like Florida, used to be a legitimate swing state, but in recent cycles, it have trended solidly red.
It comes in mens and womens and lets your friends know you're happy to express your views and don't care what anyone thinks! Cheers!
Ramaswamy will face Dr. Amy Acton in November. Acton is known for her role as the health director of the state during the COVID-19 response. Her platform consists of typical progressive criticisms of billionaires and special interests. Acton claims she will lower costs, fight corruption, and strive to make Ohio a fair state for all, as if it isn’t already under GOP leadership.
