Vivek Ramaswamy hints at bold next move after he was passed over for JD Vance's Senate seat

Vivek Ramaswamy is set to announce a bid for governor of Ohio after he was passed over for JD Vance’s Senate seat. 

Ramaswamy, 39, a biotech entrepreneur from Cincinnati who is co-leading Trump’s government efficiency initiative DOGE, has all but confirmed he will be running via social media Friday.

It began when Ramaswamy quote tweeted Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Senator Marsha Blackburn endorsing the hypothetical bid to thank them. 

He then quote-tweeted a parody account of himself announcing the run, clarifying that it was a parody, but added that running for governor was ‘not a bad idea.’ 

Ramaswamy was named by Trump to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to help cut government waste in Washington after running against Trump in the 2024 Republican Primary.

An operative familiar with Ramaswamy’s thinking told DailyMail.com that he plans to deliver results at DOGE and then announce a bid for governor shortly. 

In addition, sources closed to Ramaswamy have said he will announce a run next week, Fox News and Bloomberg report.  

Governor Mike DeWine is term limited so the race will be wide open in 2026.

Vivek Ramaswamy is set to announce a bid for governor of Ohio after he was passed over for JD Vance's Senate seat

Vivek Ramaswamy is set to announce a bid for governor of Ohio after he was passed over for JD Vance’s Senate seat 

Vance's replacement in his old Senate seat was announced on Friday

Vance’s replacement in his old Senate seat was announced on Friday 

The current governor announced on Friday that he is appointing Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted to fill Vice President-elect J.D. Vance’s vacant seat in the Senate. 

DeWine made the announcement in Ohio with Husted by his side after months of speculation over who he would pick to send to Washington to serve the rest of Vance’s term. 

In his search for Vance’s replacement, DeWine also met with former GOP presidential candidate and close Trump ally Ramaswamy despite him having ruled himself out of the running to fill the vacancy last year. 

Husted, 57, has been his lieutenant governor since 2019 and served as the state’s secretary of state from 2011 to 2019. He also served in the state Senate and House including as Ohio house speaker.

DeWine said in searching for the state’s new senator that he was looking for someone who knew Ohio’s complexities and understands the interaction between state and federal government.

The governor said Husted ‘has the background [and the] experience to get the job done.’

The governor shared that making his decision was a heavy responsibility that he took very seriously having himself served in the U.S. Senate for 12 years.

He also revealed that he interviewed many candidates for the job, but he decided to go with someone who has been close to him for the past six years.

Ohio GOP Governor Mike DeWine (left) appointed his Lt. Governor Jon Husted (center) to fill the Ohio Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance

Ohio GOP Governor Mike DeWine (left) appointed his Lt. Governor Jon Husted (center) to fill the Ohio Senate seat vacated by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance

‘I have worked with him, I have seen him. I know his knowledge of Ohio. I know his heart. I know what he cares about. I know his skills,’ DeWine said.  

Husted along with his wife and children were standing next to DeWine as he made the announcement.

‘It is my honor to accept the appointment to serve the people of the state of Ohio in the U.S. Senate,’ Husted said. 

He said he is looking forward to President-elect Trump and Vance to ‘make America great again.’

Husted specifically mentioned work to fight inflation, illegal immigration and promote conservative values. 

‘I will continue to be an America first conservative who wants to get things done, and knows that public service is a temporary gift that you have to make the most of for the people you represent,’ Husted said. 

Republicans in Washington immediately praised the appointment.

Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) who runs the GOP Senate campaign arm said the people of Ohio will ‘continue to have a conservative fighter representing them in Washington with the appointment of Jon Husted.’

Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted speaking in Newark, Ohio in January 2022

Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted speaking in Newark, Ohio in January 2022

Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, who was just sworn into office weeks ago, said he looks forward to working with Husted to ‘deliver results for Ohio.’ 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) wrote in a post on X that his ‘expertise and commitment to delivering results for Ohioans will be invaluable in Washington.’

DeWine also touched on Vance being sworn into office as vice president on Monday. 

He said the state is very proud of him, proud of an Ohioan serving as vice president and wish him all the best.

Vance resigned from the Senate at midnight on January 10 having served just two years of his first term. 

When he ran for the Senate in the 2022 midterms, it was his first bid for public office. 

In his announcement, DeWine noted he was picking someone who would have to be constantly running for office, signaling that Husted will run in the special election and for a full term.

An Ohio special election will be held in November 2026 to fill the final two years of Vance’s first term in the Senate.

Then, Husted will have to run again in 2028 if he wants to serve a full six-year term.

You May Also Like
Chicago attorney Rachel Cohen resigns in protest after law firm Skadden Law makes deal with Trump administration

Rachel Cohen, a lawyer from Chicago, steps down in objection following Skadden Law firm’s agreement with the Trump administration.

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago attorney is opposing the efforts of President…
Georgia and Alabama suspects make plea in sextortion scam that led to suicide of Michigan teen

Suspects from Georgia and Alabama plea in sextortion case linked to suicide of Michigan teenager

This article addresses the topic of suicide. If you or someone you…
ICE expected to temporarily release man trying to save brother in Cicero in need of kidney transplant

ICE to grant temporary release to man attempting to help brother in Cicero who needs kidney transplant

BERWYN, Ill. (WLS) — ICE is expected to temporarily release Friday a…
Prosecution adds ex-US attorney to University of Idaho quadruple murder case

Former US Attorney Joins Prosecution Team for University of Idaho Quadruple Murder Case

BOISE, Idaho — Joshua Hurwit, Idaho’s former U.S. attorney, has become part…
Drugged suspect in 'altered mental state' stabs six, along with himself, during DC rampage: police

Police report man under influence stabs six, including himself, during chaotic incident in DC

On Thursday in Washington D.C.’s Trinidad neighborhood, at least six victims were…
Horror as father and his two adult children are struck and killed by high-speed Amtrak train

Tragedy strikes as a father and his two grown children are hit and lose their lives in a high-speed Amtrak train accident

A family from Pennsylvania is grieving the loss of their father and…
A-lister makes shock transformation into killer Alex Murdaugh as he's seen for first time filming new drama

Famous actor transforms into character Alex Murdaugh for new TV show

Popular actor Jason Clarke underwent a striking transformation to portray family murderer…
Teddi Mellencamp Confirms She Has Stage 4 Melanoma In Emotional Interview After Cancer Spread To Her Lungs And Brain

Teddi Mellencamp Reveals Stage 4 Melanoma Diagnosis in Emotional Interview After Cancer Spreads to Lungs and Brain

Reality TV personality Teddi Mellencamp from the show Real Housewives of Beverly…
Phineas and Ferb are making a return to Disney Channel with a brand new season

“Phineas and Ferb Returning to Disney Channel with Exciting New Season”

Mom! Phineas and Ferb are making a return to Disney Channel with…
Illinois homeschool bill would create a 'pipeline to the criminal justice system for parents': Dem lawmaker

Democratic lawmaker claims Illinois homeschool legislation could lead to parents being funneled into the criminal justice system.

A proposed legislation in Illinois has the potential to bring about significant…
Drew Barrymore Stunned As Matt Bomer Kisses Her On The Lips: “That’s The Only Action I Get”

“Drew Barrymore Surprised by Kiss from Matt Bomer: Jokes About Lack of Action”

Drew Barrymore got some action from Matt Bomer on this morning’s episode…
Trump fires staff of 'idiot' adviser embroiled in Signal scandal after urging by controversial MAGA influencer

Trump dismisses team of ‘foolish’ advisor linked to Signal controversy following recommendation from a polarizing MAGA figure

President Donald Trump has fired several members of his National Security Council team.…