NEW: Vivek Officially Launches His Campaign

Vivek Ramaswamy is officially jumping into the race to become Ohio’s next governor, running on a promise to implement DOGE-style reforms across the Buckeye State.

The former U.S. Department of Government Efficiency leader resigned last month as he prepared to mount a serious gubernatorial bid which he plans to announce later on Monday. In an interview leading up to his rollout, Ramaswamy, 39, said he hopes to do more than just cut waste in government, saying voters should view his platform more broadly.

“There are a lot of people sort of eager to sort of make that analogy and characterization,” Ramaswamy said. “But I think I characterize my vision for Ohio expansively.”

Nevertheless, trimming the state budget will prove “wildly popular,” he predicted.

“I think the way we’re going to do it in Ohio, the way we’re going to run the state, is going to be, I believe, wildly popular with everyone who is a parent and has skin in the game for the next generation,” Ramaswamy said.

In announcing his departure from DOGE, the former Republican presidential candidate said he, Elon Musk, and President Donald Trump agreed that his future participation as a federal employee would hamper his ability to run for office.

“President Trump, Elon and I had a great relationship but talked about exactly where each of us was going to drive maximum change for the country,” Ramaswamy said. “And, for me, I believe that leading from the front here in Ohio and setting an example for the rest of the country and, frankly, even bringing some of the principles of efficiency and spending and deregulation to our state would be the way that I as a leader would be able to have the biggest impact.”

A tricky feat for the former Republican presidential candidate will be convincing voters that his intent to downsize Ohio’s government will not cut public resources seen as vital by the majority of voters. Ohio has a large share of the federal workforce, according to NBC News, and recent polls have shown residents’ feelings are mixed on whether President Trump and Musk have gone “too far” with some DOGE cuts (51%).

Ramaswamy is expected to kick off his campaign with the first stop of a statewide announcement tour on Monday night in Cincinnati. His announcement has shaken up the GOP field running to replace Gov. Mike DeWine, who is term-limited.

Others mulling a run include Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, the former Ohio State football coach handpicked by DeWine to be his deputy. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost jumped into the race last month shortly after speculation began to buzz about Ramaswamy’s intentions.

Speaking with the outlet, Yost proclaimed that he was implementing “DOGE before DOGE was cool” as state auditor, a position he filled for two terms.

“It’s the difference between somebody who can give a speech and somebody who can do a job,” Yost said, contrasting himself with Ramaswamy. “Not to denigrate my own ability to give a speech, but the key is, I’ve been on the front lines working for the goals that Ohioans share. I’ve been in the trenches fighting the battles against federal overreach, protecting the Constitution. And I just candidly think I’m much better prepared to bring bold leadership to Ohio.”