Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is suspending his campaign for governor.
The move follows the Ohio Republican Party’s endorsement of Yost’s primary opponent, Cincinnati native, entrepreneur, and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, in next year’s gubernatorial campaign.
“Public service is in my blood—we talk in the Attorney General’s office about doing 'Big Good.' It’s why I decided to offer myself as a candidate for governor,” Yost said in an email to supporters.
“...The past couple of years of travelling around my beloved state have reconnected me with my roots: the incredible, resilient people and their work ethic, the rich history and breathtaking land, the engines of commerce and prosperity and learning. I will continue to serve them, perhaps for quite a while yet,” Yost added. “But it is also apparent that a steep climb to the nomination for governor has become a vertical cliff. I do not wish to divide my political party or my state with a quixotic battle over the small differences between my vision and that of my opponent. I am simply not that important.”
The Ohio Republican Party endorsed Ramaswamy for governor nine months before the filing deadline and about a year before voters cast ballots in the state’s primary. Immediately following the endorsement, Yost’s gubernatorial campaign said it was assessing its “path forward.”
“I’ve spoken at length with many people whose advice and wisdom I respect, and haven’t come to this decision quickly or easily,” Yost said.
Following the news, Ramaswamy lauded Yost for how he ran his campaign and promised that the attorney general would continue to be involved with leading the state.
“Congratulations to [Yost] on running a thoughtful campaign,” Ramaswamy said in a post to X. “He has served Ohio with dedication, and he will continue to play an important role in serving our state & our nation.”
Next year’s gubernatorial race has started to take shape. However, it could continue to change as additional candidates who are expected to run make it official.
Dr. Amy Acton, the controversial former state health director during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, is running for the post as a Democrat, and other high-profile Democrats are expected to enter the race. Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, who lost his seat last year to Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, and former U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan are possible entrants on the Democratic side.
Republican Heather Hill, former Morgan County School Board president, has also declared her campaign.
Yost, who will continue to serve as attorney general until January 202 seized the opportunity to share Brown in his note to supporters.
“Ideas do matter, though, and the comeback attempt by Sherrod Brown represents a real and present danger to Ohio’s prosperity,” Yost said. “Our state has challenges ahead, but we are not Washington, D.C. Columbus needs re-engineering, not demolition. Sherrod Brown and the risky progressive ideas of his party will unwind all of the good that the last 15 years of Republican leadership has brought.”
Along with backing Ramaswamy, state Republicans also endorsed former Lt. Governor Jon Husted in his bid to retain his U.S. Senate seat. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Husted, Ohio’s 66th lieutenant governor, former secretary of state and a former state lawmaker, to replace Vice President J.D. Vance in the U.S. Senate.
Following next year’s special election, the seat will be up for a full six-year term in 2028.
