Yost suspends Ohio governor's bid after state GOP backs Ramaswamy

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost (R) has suspended his gubernatorial campaign after the state Republican Party endorsed his opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy. 

Yost said in an email to his supporters Friday that he made the decision because it became clear that “a steep climb to the nomination for governor has become a vertical cliff.” He said public service is the reason he joined the race and is why he’s choosing to leave it. 

“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,” he said. “I am simply not that important.” 

Yost’s decision came after he said he would consult with his supporters about the “path forward” following the Ohio GOP’s endorsement of Ramaswamy. The former presidential candidate and entrepreneur quickly became a front-runner for the Republican nomination for governor, also winning endorsements from President Trump and Elon Musk. 

Early polling had shown Ramaswamy with a large lead. 

The field still could grow again, though, as Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel (R) has hinted he’s considering a run for governor. 

Yost also mentioned the possible political comeback attempt from former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who has said he’s leaving his options open, leading to rumors he may run for governor or again for Senate. 

“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,” he said. 

Yost said he will continue to fight for Ohio during the rest of his time as attorney general, which goes through January 2027. He also said he suspects this is “not my final chapter.”