President-Elect Encourages Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Senate Seat
President-elect Donald Trump has privately urged Vivek Ramaswamy, a former biotech entrepreneur and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, to consider an appointment to the US Senate seat recently vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance, according to a source familiar with the discussions. The encouraging comes after Ramaswamy met with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, over the weekend.
Ramaswamy has expressed a preference to focus on his role with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory board aimed at identifying cuts to the federal government, and to run for Ohio governor in 2026. However, he is open to the Senate position if “everyone wants” him to assume the seat.
The source noted that Trump has been vocal in his support for Ramaswamy, who would be a new face in the Senate. Ramaswamy’s name was also previously raised by Trump during a recent conversation with DeWine, according to a GOP source.
Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was previously considered a front-runner for the Senate vacancy, but he has expressed a desire to run for governor in 2026 and has been resisting an appointment. A Republican official stated that the uncertainty over the Senate seat has contributed to Husted’s reluctance to accept an appointment.
Governor DeWine is yet to make an announcement, although he has stated he expects to have one within the coming week. A source familiar with the matter reported that DeWine has not made a decision on the Senate seat as of Wednesday morning.
Ramaswamy’s consideration for the position has sparked resistance within the Ohio GOP, with some party officials voicing concerns over his electability. However, DeWine is seeking someone who will be a “worker” in the Senate, as he emphasized during a recent comment, pointing to his 12 years of experience in the chamber.