Here’s a look at who is running to be the next governor of Ohio.

In Ohio, a contested primary on the Republican side is fast approaching before what will be an exciting fall campaign season ahead of the November election. 

On the Republican side, Vivek Ramaswamy is expected to clinch the nomination. He was a Republican presidential candidate in 2024 and has the support of President Trump and current Governor Mike DeWine.

Ramaswamy briefly served as the co-chair of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative at the beginning of his current presidential term. 

Ramaswamy also secured the support of the Ohio Republican Party, which led to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost suspending his campaign. 

“Ohio is winning new business projects from the coasts, and Vivek will keep the momentum going. Vivek Ramaswamy knows that Ohio is the best state to build a business, raise a family, and pursue your vision of the American dream,” DeWine said in his endorsement. 

According to a Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll, Vivek Ramaswamy leads Amy Acton 48% to 47% among Ohio voters.

Both candidates have similar favorability ratings—33% for Ramaswamy and 32% for Acton—though more voters say they are unsure about Acton; the poll surveyed 1,000 voters with a ±3.9% margin of error.

State Senate President Rob Huffman was announced as Ramaswamy’s running mate. “Vivek is laser-focused on the issues that matter to Ohioans—lower costs, bigger paychecks, and better schools. These polls are just another indicator that his message is resonating with voters all across the state,” Ramaswamy campaign spokesperson Evan Machan said in a statement to The Daily Signal.

Running against Ramaswamy for the Republican nomination are Appalachian businesswoman Heather Hill and nonprofit founder Casey Putsch. 

Hill is a mother and an entrepreneur who selected reality TV personality and business owner Stuart Moats as her running mate. 

Putsch founded the nonprofit Genius Garage, a car charity. His running mate is business executive Kimberly Georgeton. 

On the Democratic side, Dr. Amy Acton is the sole candidate. She was an outspoken figure during the COVID-19 pandemic as the former Ohio Department of Health Director. 

During the pandemic, Acton used the health director’s broad emergency powers to halt the state’s 2020 presidential primary. She closed gyms and fitness centers across the state and forced families under stay-at-home orders. 

Acton resigned in June of 2020 after facing staunch criticism and lawsuits. She remained in DeWine’s administration as chief health adviser. 

Acton has never held public office. She is focused on lowering health care costs and reducing the tax burden on families if elected. 

Former Ohio Democratic Party chairman David Pepper was announced as Acton’s running mate. 

The primary election will take place on May 5.