Columbus, Ohio, USA: The Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council, representing about 14,000 workers across 29 unions, has endorsed Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio’s 2026 governor race. Ramaswamy already secured the Ohio GOP nomination in May with a 60–3 Central Committee vote — the earliest ever for a non-incumbent. He has backing from Donald Trump, Elon Musk, several U.S. senators, and top Ohio officials.

The Cincinnati-born biotech entrepreneur raised a record $9.7 million in the first four months of his campaign, with over 40,000 donors contributing. A super PAC also received $10 million from investor Jeff Yass. His Democratic rival, former Ohio Health Department Director Amy Acton, has raised $1.35 million.

The race is open since Governor Mike DeWine is term-limited. Other Republicans, including Attorney General Dave Yost and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, are possible contenders but have not declared. Acton is the only announced Democrat so far, though former Congressman Tim Ryan is being considered. The election will be held in November 2026.