Vivek Ramaswamy has further tightened his hold on the GOP nomination for governor in next year’s election after the Ohio Republican Party voted to endorse him on Friday.
In the face of private opposition from Gov. Mike DeWine, Ramaswamy and his allies convinced the required two-thirds of the Ohio Republican Party’s central committee to issue an endorsement in the race. After that, it was a fait de comple to win a simple majority.
The central committee – which is made up of elected party insiders – voted 51-13 to endorse in the race. It then voted 60-3 to endorse Ramaswamy, party officials said. Attorney General Dave Yost, who’s been positioning to run for governor for years, got the three votes. Yost’s wife, Darlene, spoke on behalf of his candidacy, according to a committee member.
But nobody spoke on behalf of, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, who has been coy about his political intentions as a potential candidate since Gov. Mike DeWine appointed him to his job earlier this year.
The votes are the latest example of the state party being in lockstep with President Donald Trump, who’s endorsed both Ramaswamy and U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, who was appointed by DeWine and has to defend the seat – left vacant by JD Vance — next year.
