FILE - Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gives the State of the State address in the Ohio House chambers at the Ohio Statehouse on March 12, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (Samantha Madar/The Columbus Dispatch via AP, Pool)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Wednesday morning that he is endorsing fellow Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the upcoming Ohio governor’s race. Ramaswamy will face Democrat Amy Acton, the former director of the Ohio Department of Health, in the general election.

“With the election year upon us, I am joining Republicans across Ohio in supporting our dynamic ticket for Governor, led by Vivek Ramaswamy,” DeWine said in a statement. “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.

“The first important decision any Governor makes is who will be his or her choice for Lieutenant Governor. Vivek Ramaswamy has made a great pick in Senate President Rob McColley to be his running mate. Senate President McColley is a strong leader who is well respected by the members of the General Assembly. He knows Ohio and brings geographical balance to the ticket.”

Ramaswamy announced Wednesday his pick of McColley as his running mate. Acton also announced her running mate, attorney and former state Democratic Chair David Pepper.