The Local Bar in Strongsville was filled to capacity Tuesday evening for Vivek Ramaswamy’s Governor campaign launch event.

His evening speech was one of four stops across Ohio after he announced his run for Governor Monday night. Since then, President Trump and Elon Musk have both endorsed the entrepreneur.

Ramaswamy took to the stage in the 9 o’clock hour to lay out his vision for Ohio, covering education and safety concerns and how he hopes to make the state a leader in the nation’s economy.

“We’re just getting started,” the Ohio native said. “We are in the middle of a second industrial revolution in the world right now, and I believe Ohio will lead the way.”

He spoke for over half an hour to a crowd of supporters, many of whom said they want to see change for Ohio.

“Maybe there will be some big changes,” said Al Zygaldo, who was in attendance. “We deserve a change now.” 

Ohio politicians, including Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, were also in attendance to show their support.

The race for Ohio Governor will really take shape in the May 2026 Republican primary. So far, Ramaswamy is competing against Ohio’s current Attorney General, Dave Yost. The only Democrat to enter so far is Amy Acton, former director of the Ohio Department of Health.

Loud cheers rounded out the evening inside the packed bar.

“Our best days are still ahead of us,” said Ramaswamy on the future of Ohio.  

Kent Stater TV’s Sydney Brown attended Tuesday night and has the full story.

Sydney Brown is a Kent Stater TV Reporter. Contact her at [email protected].