2026 Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Courtesy of Vivek for Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy glided to victory in the Ohio GOP primary election for governor, solidifying the predicted Nov. 3 General Election showdown between him and the uncontested Democratic nominee, Dr. Amy Acton.
Ramaswamy defeated a political newcomer, Toledo automotive entrepreneur Casey Putsch. The Associated Press called the race at 7:42 p.m. ET, with Ramaswamy holding a 70-point lead.
Rather than attacking Putsch or responding to his criticisms, Ramaswamy has kept his campaign messaging focused on his agenda—emphasizing his plans to eliminate or reduce taxes—a message that resonated with several Ramaswamy voters whom The Epoch Times interviewed in the Columbus area.
Randy Tarrier, who attended a Ramaswamy town hall in a northern Columbus suburb on May 4, called Ramaswamy “one of the most original candidates that I have seen in a while.”
“I like the fact that he is looking at rolling back income taxes, at least for seniors—and property taxes, possibly for people who have paid off their own homes,” Tarrier said. “So, I think that’s a very good place to start.”
Tarrier’s wife, Debra Tarrier, commented: “He’s so approachable on all different issues. He’s such a smart guy. He’s very successful, and I think he can correct a lot of the issues we’re facing in Ohio.”