Ohio Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel is still considering a run for governor, saying that the state GOP’s endorsement of Vivek Ramaswamy won’t affect his decision.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Trump-backed biotech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy won the Ohio Republican Party’s gubernatorial endorsement Friday, overcoming more experienced and potentially more popular rivals to land coveted institutional and monetary support nearly a year before the 2026 primary.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has suspended his campaign for Ohio governor. The 68-year-old Yost hinted at the challenge presented by his chief rival, Trump-backed biotech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy,

Lara Trump, former co-chair of the Republican National Committee and daughter-in-law to the president, opened Friday's meeting by phone. She stopped short of calling for a Ramaswamy endorsement, but reminded the 66-member committee that the GOP’s motto headed into 2026 is, “Unite, unite, unite!”

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

Ohio Republican Chairman Alex M. Triantafilou said: “We are proud to endorse Sen. Jon Husted and Vivek Ramaswamy because they have proven that they will fight tirelessly for the people of Ohio.

Ohio could be joining the national push to stop taxing tips. House Bill 209 would exempt tips from Ohio’s income tax, allowing workers in traditionally tipped industries to treat them more like gifts for good service.