Ramaswamy Picks McColley as Running Mate in Ohio Governor Race

Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announced on Jan. 7 that he has selected Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate.

“I’m excited to announce Rob McColley as my running mate to be the next lieutenant governor of Ohio,” Ramaswamy said in a statement.

“I’m an entrepreneur, not a politician, and selected Rob to be a governing partner who can help advance our ambitious legislative agenda.”

“Rob is a proven conservative leader, and he is committed to my vision to make the American Dream a reality for every Ohioan,” he added.

McColley represents a district in the northwestern part of the Buckeye State.

“Throughout his service in the Ohio General Assembly, McColley has earned a reputation as a principled statesman, proven leader, and effective problem-solver focused on delivering real results,” said Ramaswamy’s campaign.

“First elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2014, McColley was unanimously elected to serve as president of the Ohio Senate in January 2025.

“His record includes slashing government red tape, cutting taxes to spur economic growth, and enacting legislation to prevent a repeat of the COVID-19 shutdowns,” the statement added.

During the previous session of the General Assembly, McColley was Senate majority floor leader.

McColley is an alum of Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in finance. He also graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law.

Before being appointed to the state Senate, McColley served in the Ohio House of Representatives.

“Before being elected State Representative, he served in the Community Improvement Corporation of Henry County, where he oversaw economic development efforts for the county and worked to improve local workforce development efforts between manufacturers and schools in Henry and Williams counties,” according to his bio on the Ohio Senate website.

Ramaswamy and McColley will campaign across Ohio ahead of the Nov. 3 election, according to the campaign.

“Ohio needs a businessman, not a bureaucrat; a creator, not a quitter; a visionary, not a victim. That leader is Vivek Ramaswamy,” said McColley in a statement.

“He will be one of the boldest leaders in the history of our state, and I’m honored to help execute his vision.”

Ramaswamy announcement comes as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine endorsed Ramaswamy’s campaign.

“Ohio is winning new business projects from the coasts, and Vivek will keep the momentum going,” said DeWine in a statement on Jan. 7.

“Vivek Ramaswamy knows that Ohio is the best state to build a business, raise a family, and pursue your vision of the American dream.”

DeWine applauded Ramaswamy’s selection of McColley as his running mate.

“Senate President McColley is a strong leader who is well respected by the members of the General Assembly,” said DeWine. “He knows Ohio and brings geographical balance to the ticket.”

President Donald Trump has also endorsed Ramaswamy.