Key Takeaways:
- Rep. Jim Jordan praised Vivek Ramaswamy but didn’t endorse him for Ohio governor.
- Ramaswamy, a tech billionaire, is running in the 2026 Republican primary.
- Jordan highlighted Ramaswamy’s conservative views and energy.
- Other candidates, like Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, are also in the race.
- Jordan remained silent when asked if his praise was a formal endorsement.
Rep. Jim Jordan’s Stance on Vivek Ramaswamy
Rep. Jim Jordan, a prominent Republican from Ohio, recently shared his thoughts on Vivek Ramaswamy, a tech billionaire and candidate for Ohio governor. While Jordan expressed admiration for Ramaswamy, he stopped short of giving him a full endorsement.
During a CNN interview on The Arena, Jordan said, “Yeah, I like Vivek. I think he’ll be a great governor of our state.” He praised Ramaswamy’s energy and conservative philosophy, especially his plan to eliminate the state income tax. However, when CNN anchor Kasie Hunt asked if this was a formal endorsement, Jordan remained silent and simply laughed.
Jordan’s cautious approach isn’t surprising. With several candidates already in the race, he might be waiting to see how the field shapes up before making a commitment.
Who is Vivek Ramaswamy?
Vivek Ramaswamy is a 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He gained national attention during his short stint as co-chair of former President Donald Trump’s “DOGE” initiative, a program aimed at reducing government waste. Ramaswamy left the role on Trump’s first day in office.
Last year, Ramaswamy ran for the Republican presidential nomination but did not succeed. Now, he’s shifting his focus to Ohio politics. In June, he announced his bid for governor in 2026, aiming to replace Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who cannot run again due to term limits.
Ramaswamy’s campaign has already drawn attention. He’s positioned himself as a conservative outsider, promising to shake up state politics. His message of lowering taxes and cutting government bureaucracy resonates with many Republican voters.
The Competitive Race for Governor
The 2026 Ohio governor’s race is shaping up to be highly competitive. Ramaswamy is just one of several candidates vying for the Republican nomination. Other notable contenders include:
- Dave Yost, Ohio’s current attorney general. Yost has a strong reputation as a law-and-order candidate and is well-known in state politics.
- Heather Hill, an entrepreneur and business leader. Her background in the private sector could appeal to voters looking for fresh perspectives.
- Dr. Amy Acton, a former state health director. She gained fame during the COVID-19 pandemic but is now running as a Republican after previously identifying as a Democrat.
Ramaswamy’s biggest challenge will be standing out in this crowded field. While he has name recognition and financial resources, other candidates have deeper ties to Ohio politics.
Why Jordan Isn’t Endorsing—Yet
So why isn’t Rep. Jordan endorsing Ramaswamy outright? It could be because Jordan wants to keep his options open. With multiple candidates in the race, he may be waiting to see how the primary unfolds. Endorsing too early could backfire if his preferred candidate doesn’t win.
Additionally, Jordan’s focus on Ramaswamy’s conservative policies suggests he’s more interested in the ideas than the candidate himself. By emphasizing shared values rather than giving a full endorsement, Jordan can maintain flexibility.
It’s also worth noting that Jordan’s refusal toendorse Ramaswamy doesn’t mean he opposes him. Jordan’s praise for Ramaswamy’s energy and philosophy indicates he’s open to supporting him in the future.
Trump’s Influence in the Race
One factor that could shape the race is former President Donald Trump’s involvement. Trump has already expressed his support for Ramaswamy, which could give him a boost in the Republican primary. Trump’s endorsement is highly influential among GOP voters, especially in a state like Ohio, which has been a battleground in recent elections.
However, Jordan’s cautious approach shows that even with Trump’s backing, Ramaswamy isn’t guaranteed to win. The race will likely come down to which candidate can best articulate a vision for Ohio’s future while appealing to the party’s base.
Conclusion
Vivek Ramaswamy’s candidacy for Ohio governor has sparked excitement among conservatives, and Rep. Jim Jordan’s praise highlights his potential as a candidate. However, Jordan’s decision not to endorse Ramaswamy reflects the unpredictability of the race. With multiple strong candidates in the running, the 2026 Ohio governor’s race is one to watch.
As the campaign heats up, voters will be paying close attention to see which candidate can best represent their values and lead the state forward. For now, Ramaswamy has Jordan’s admiration—but time will tell if that translates into an endorsement.