Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is capturing attention in Ohio with a significant shift in donor support. Notably, a growing number of prominent financial backers who previously supported Democrat Tim Ryan are now rallying behind Ramaswamy. His campaign team reports that nearly $220,000 in contributions raised since his candidacy began have come from individuals formerly in Ryan’s camp. This development could indicate a transformative moment in the political landscape of the Buckeye State.
Ramaswamy’s campaign underscores the change with high-profile business leaders from Youngstown and Northeast Ohio now backing him. For instance, Caryn and Sam Covelli, major figures in the Mahoning Valley, switched allegiance after donating over $59,000 to Ryan in previous election cycles before contributing $10,000 to Ramaswamy. Likewise, Bruce Zoldan, another business leader, gave Ramaswamy $5,000, having contributed more than $53,000 to Ryan.
Adam Thomarios and Anthony Manna also made notable contributions, each donating $10,000 after previously supporting Ryan. Regina Mitchell hosted a fundraiser and contributed more than $13,600 to Ramaswamy, a leap from her earlier $2,700 donation to Ryan in 2017. Meanwhile, Jeff Edwards, president of Edwards Companies, and his wife, Lisa, also supported Ramaswamy with $33,000 this cycle after having previously given to Ryan. These shifts highlight a clear trend among former Ryan supporters as they seek new leadership.
Chiming in on this momentum, Jai Chabria, Ramaswamy’s chief strategist, explained that voters previously aligned with traditional Democratic leadership are now embracing the Republican candidate’s vision of economic growth. “There’s actually a movement where people are actually moving over not just to Republicans, but to Vivek specifically because he’s got such a message of growth, of economic growth,” Chabria said. This movement suggests discontent with the status quo, as voters seek fresh ideas over long-standing political models.
Echoing this sentiment, Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou called the donor shifts “impressive.” He contended that Ryan’s former supporters are recognizing Ramaswamy as a leader committed to crucial issues such as workers’ rights, manufacturing, and energy independence. Triantafilou noted the Ohio GOP’s early endorsement of Ramaswamy as pivotal in consolidating a coalition that has traditionally powered Republican victories in the state.
Ramaswamy’s campaign has achieved financial milestones that indicate his growing influence, having raised an unprecedented $9.7 million in the first part of this year, dwarfing previous records for gubernatorial contenders in Ohio prior to a general election. An associated super PAC has reportedly raised an additional $17 million. Chabria referred to this as just the “tip of the iceberg,” indicating that forthcoming financial reports may reveal even larger fundraising achievements.
The campaign is focused on expanding its grassroots support, with events planned in major Ohio cities such as Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Chabria pointed to safety in the communities as a central concern, emphasizing that it transcends political parties. “The crime in our cities is – it’s appalling. And it’s something that Vivek wants to bring all leaders together to actually try to address because people need to be able to be safe in their own homes,” Chabria said.
Triantafilou believes Ramaswamy’s policies will resonate with Ohioans across the blue-collar spectrum, highlighting proposals aimed at improving manufacturing, education, and making the state more competitive through tax reductions. “Tim Ryan represents kind of what’s wrong with the Democratic Party,” he stated, contrasting Ramaswamy’s fresh approach with Ryan’s established presence, which he argues fails to address the real concerns of voters.
As Ohio gears up for the gubernatorial election, Ramaswamy’s rise marks a notable shift in a political arena long dominated by traditional Democratic values. With former Ryan supporters now backing him, coupled with impressive fundraising numbers and the explicit support of state party officials, Ramaswamy is solidifying his position as a prominent candidate for 2026. The upcoming months will reveal whether this momentum continues or if the political narrative in Ohio shifts once again.
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