'You have my full endorsement!': Elon Musk backs former DOGE partner Vivek Ramaswamy running for Ohio governor

Elon Musk has thrown his support behind Vivek Ramaswamy, his longtime partner in the Trump administration, endorsing him for Ohio governor—a move that comes as no surprise given their past collaboration.
Musk and Ramaswamy worked together in top roles under US President Donald Trump, with Musk leading the department of government efficiency (DOGE) and Ramaswamy championing conservative business policies. Now, as Ramaswamy launches his bid to lead Ohio, Musk has backed him once again, writing on X: “Good luck, you have my full endorsement!”

The entrepreneur and former presidential candidate kicked off his campaign at a rally, joined by his wife, Apoorva Ramaswamy, who declared he would be “the best governor the state has ever seen.” Ramaswamy is running on a platform of bold conservative reforms, including work requirements for Medicaid and merit-based pay for teachers.
Ramaswamy’s vision for Ohio
During his speech, Ramaswamy highlighted his goal to position Ohio as a leader in emerging industries, saying:
“Ohio will lead in the sectors of the future.”
He painted a picture of Ohio's future dominance in technology and innovation: “Ten years from now… when we send manned rockets to Mars, when we cure previously incurable genetic diseases, when we power our electric grid with nuclear energy… What’s going to be the meme? ‘Only in Ohio.’”

He also praised Trump, calling him "the greatest president of our century."
“The crowd went wild when I spoke the truth: President Trump is the greatest president of our century. He’s reviving our conviction in America. We need a leader at home who revives our conviction in Ohio," Ramaswamy said on X.
Trump’s endorsement and MAGA vision
Ramaswamy, who ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination before dropping out to endorse Donald Trump, reiterated his commitment to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement—now bringing it to Ohio.
“Thank you, President Trump. I’m truly honored to have your endorsement,” Ramaswamy responded. “We’re behind you all the way, and we will Make Ohio Great Again!”
Trump praised Ramaswamy, writing on Truth Social: "VIVEK RAMASWAMY is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio. I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL. He’s Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country. He will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, will never let you down, and has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT!"

Ramaswamy’s entry into the race comes after the unexpected withdrawal of presumed frontrunner Jon Husted, who accepted an appointment to the US Senate. Ramaswamy is positioning himself as the clear MAGA candidate in the race, vowing to bring business-driven policies and conservative leadership to Ohio.