Vivek Ramaswamy, born on August 9, 1985, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is an American entrepreneur and politician known for his involvement in the biotech industry and recent political endeavors. He founded Roivant Sciences in 2014, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies. He also co-founded Strive Asset Management, an investment firm. In 2021, Ramaswamy authored “Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America’s Social Justice Scam,” critiquing corporate America’s engagement with social justice issues.
In February 2023, Ramaswamy declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. He suspended his campaign in January 2024 after finishing fourth in the Iowa caucuses and endorsed Donald Trump. Following the election, Trump appointed Ramaswamy to co-lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside Elon Musk, aiming to reduce federal bureaucracy and spending. However, Ramaswamy departed from DOGE in January 2025 to focus on his political ambitions in Ohio.
On February 15, 2025, Ramaswamy filed to run in the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial election, officially announcing his candidacy on February 24. His campaign emphasizes reducing taxes, including the potential elimination of Ohio’s state income tax, and promoting economic growth. He has also proposed renaming Lake Erie to “Lake Ohio,” drawing inspiration from President Trump’s previous decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”
Ramaswamy’s political positions are characterized by his criticism of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) initiatives, which he views as detrimental to American values. He has referred to certain contemporary movements as “new secular religions” contributing to a national identity crisis.
As of March 2025, Ramaswamy continues to be a prominent figure in American politics, advocating for conservative values and policy reforms.