Rep Jim Jordan (R-OH) said he likes Vivek Ramaswamy — but the lawmaker wouldn't go so far as to endorse the tech billionaire and one-time Department of Government Efficiency co-head for Ohio governor.
Ramaswamy, who was born in Cincinnati, announced last month his bid for governor in 2026. The 39-year-old biotech entrepreneur is entering the Republican primary to succeed Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who is term-limited.
Ramaswamy's campaign follows his brief stint as co-chair of Trump's DOGE initiative, which he left on Trump's first day in office. It also follows his failed campaign for the Republican nomination for president last year.
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Ramaswamy is poised to face other Republicans, including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and entrepreneur Heather Hill. Former state health director Dr. Amy Acton is also in the race.
While Trump gave Ramaswamy and emphatic thumbs up, Jordan wouldn't quite go there.
"Do you support Vivek Ramaswamy for this post?" asked CNN anchor Kasie Hunt on Wednesday afternoon on her show, "The Arena."
"Yeah, I like Vivek. I think he'll be a great governor of our state," said Jordan. "There are some other good guys that are talking about running. But Vivek's the guy I think is going to win this thing. And I really like his energy. I really like his conservative, uh, conservative philosophy. I like the fact he's talking about getting rid of the income tax in our state."
But Hunt wasn't satisfied.
"So would you consider that a formal endorsement?" she inquired with a smile.
Jordan kept his lips tightly shut and silently laughed.
