CIRCLEVILLE, OH – The Pickaway County Republican Party has announced that Vivek Ramaswamy will serve as the keynote speaker for its highly anticipated Lincoln Day Dinner fundraiser. The event, a staple of the county’s Republican calendar, is expected to sell out quickly.
A Rising Force in Ohio Politics
Ramaswamy, a Cincinnati-born biotech entrepreneur and conservative firebrand, recently entered the 2026 Ohio governor’s race. His candidacy comes in the wake of Lt. Gov. Jon Husted’s departure from the race following his appointment to the U.S. Senate. Ramaswamy, 39, previously ran in the 2024 GOP presidential primary, ultimately endorsing Donald Trump. Since then, he has co-chaired a government efficiency initiative alongside billionaire Elon Musk.
With Ohio’s Republican Governor Mike DeWine term-limited, the 2026 GOP primary has become a competitive race. Ramaswamy will face Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Heather Hill, an Appalachian entrepreneur. On the Democratic side, Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio’s former state health director, has launched her bid for the governorship.
Trump’s Influence Looms Large
Ohio has shifted solidly red in recent election cycles, with Trump winning the state by more than 8 percentage points in three consecutive elections. Republicans hold every statewide executive office, dominate the Ohio Supreme Court, and control supermajorities in both legislative chambers.
Ramaswamy has actively courted Trump-aligned donors and endorsements, but the former president has not yet weighed in on the race. Notably, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague and Secretary of State Frank LaRose have already thrown their support behind Ramaswamy.
An Outsider in a Field of Political Veterans
Ramaswamy is positioning himself as an anti-establishment candidate, challenging the traditional path to Ohio’s governorship. Unlike past governors with decades of public service, Ramaswamy seeks to replicate the Trump-style political ascent—bypassing state government roles and leveraging his business success and national profile.
His campaign builds on the America First movement, with a platform rooted in his 2024 book, “Truths: The Future of America First”, where he outlines ten core beliefs, beginning with “God is real” and “There are two genders.” His earlier book, “Woke Inc.”, gained national attention for its criticism of corporate social justice initiatives.
Lincoln Day Dinner: A Must-Attend Event
With Ramaswamy’s rising profile and the high stakes of the 2026 governor’s race, the Pickaway County GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner is set to be a major political event. Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, and supporters can secure their seats at www.pickawaygop.com/lincoln-day
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