Vivek Ramaswamy Throws His Hat Into the 2024 Ohio Gubernatorial Race
Vivek Ramaswamy, a 39-year-old entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, officially announced his candidacy for the 2024 Ohio gubernatorial race in a impassioned speech in Cincinnati. Ahead of his announcement, Ramaswamy shared his vision with The Post, outlining his ambitious plan to make Ohio a model of excellence in America. At the heart of his platform is a commitment to education reform, which he believes will address what he describes as an "education crisis" in the state. Ramaswamy emphasized that his education policies are the most distinctive element of his platform, aiming to set Ohio apart from other states in the nation. He also expressed his desire to ensure the prosperity, health, and education of Ohio’s children, highlighting the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive.
A Vision for Education Reform in Ohio
Ramaswamy’s education platform includes several key proposals aimed at transforming Ohio’s school system. He plans to maintain and expand universal school choice, which allows families to choose the best educational option for their children, whether that’s public, private, charter, or homeschooling. At the same time, he is committed to improving public schools, which are currently ranked 27th in the nation according to US News and World Report. “I’ll take Ohio to the next level on school choice,” he declared, “but we also need to equip our public schools to actually compete.” To achieve this, Ramaswamy proposes making teacher pay performance-based, arguing that the best teachers are under-compensated and that merit-based compensation will attract top talent to the state. While he acknowledged that this might require challenging teachers’ unions, he made it clear he is not looking for a fight but will stand firm if necessary.
Another key component of Ramaswamy’s education plan is a ban on cell phones in schools. Citing clear data, he believes this policy will help close the achievement gap and improve educational outcomes for students. Additionally, he wants to address what he sees as a decline in patriotism among young people by implementing a civics test as a requirement for high school graduation. Ramaswamy, who is a father of two, emphasized the importance of giving students a deep understanding of American history and civic culture, rather than just fostering superficial patriotism. “That prepares kids to love their country,” he said.
Economic and Industrial Revitalization
Beyond education, Ramaswamy is also focused on revitalizing Ohio’s economy and positioning the state as a leader in new industries. During his speech, he called for investments in emerging fields such as semiconductor production, nuclear energy, biotech, and Bitcoin. He envisions Ohio’s Ohio River Valley becoming the next Silicon Valley, driving innovation and economic growth for the next decade. To support this vision, Ramaswamy proposed bringing Ohio’s state income tax “eventually to zero,” a bold move that he believes will attract businesses and talent to the state.
Ramaswamy’s speech was held at CTL Aerospace, an aeronautics manufacturer, a choice inspired by his father, an Indian immigrant and aerospace engineer. This setting underscored his commitment to embracing Ohio’s industrial heritage while looking to the future. “In the first industrial revolution, Ohio led the way in rubber production and glass production,” he said. “I believe Ohio can lead the way again.”
A Commitment to the Next Generation
Throughout his announcement, Ramaswamy emphasized his commitment to uplifting younger people and ensuring that Ohio is a state where the next generation can thrive. “The decisions we make are going to fall on the shoulders of the next generation,” he said. “I think it’s essential to make sure that the kind of people who lead us to the future are those who have skin in the game.” This sentiment reflects his broader vision for Ohio as a state that prioritizes excellence, innovation, and opportunity for all.
The Road Ahead
Ramaswamy’s candidacy comes as he joins a crowded Republican field vying to succeed Governor Mike DeWine. Other notable candidates include Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and former school board member Heather Hill. On the Democratic side, Dr. Amy Acton, a former state health department director, is currently the only major contender. As Ramaswamy enters the race, he brings a unique blend of outsider perspective, entrepreneurial experience, and conservative values. While he has yet to receive an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, with whom he previously worked on the Department of Government Efficiency, there is speculation that Trump may throw his support behind him. Whatever the outcome, Ramaswamy’s focus on education reform, economic revitalization, and a vision for Ohio’s future is set to make him a formidable candidate in the race.
