Big Money, Big Name: Ohio’s Governor Race Gets a Billionaire Twist

A billionaire named Vivek Ramaswamy is the front‑runner for Ohio’s next governor. He has spent almost a year clearing the field, and no Democrat has held the office in 15 years. Ramaswamy’s campaign is backed by trade unions, farm groups and many county sheriffs. Even President Trump has thrown his support behind him. He’s visited every county and is treated like a celebrity by local Republicans. His campaign has raised nearly $40 million, a record for the state. That money comes from a super PAC and from Ramaswamy’s own pocket. The only question left is whether Ohio voters will choose him in the general election.The race looks close, however. Recent polls show a competitive November matchup against Dr. Amy Acton, the former state health director and Democratic nominee. Polls that once favored Ramaswamy have shifted to a slight Republican edge. Acton faces challenges of her own. She is a Democrat and the face of Ohio’s COVID‑19 response, a time many voters want to forget. Her campaign has raised $9. 3 million, good for a Democrat but far below Ramaswamy’s haul. Her fundraising numbers are still growing. The national mood may be hurting the Republican brand. Rising costs, economic uncertainty and a controversial war have lowered support for the president’s party. That could help Acton in November, even if Ramaswamy stays ahead in the primary.