Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized Vivek Ramaswamy on Wednesday for his loss in Ohio’s gubernatorial race, arguing that Ramaswamy was not aligned with the state’s working-class electorate. DeSantis made the remarks during an appearance on The Sage Steele Show, stating that Ramaswamy’s policies and background did not resonate with Ohio voters.
Ramaswamy lost the Ohio gubernatorial race to Democratic Gov.-elect Amy Acton by an 8-point margin (52% to 44%), according to official results. His campaign had faced challenges, including criticism of his support for a merit-based H-1B visa system and his background as a biotech entrepreneur. DeSantis suggested that Ohio’s Republican Party should not have nominated Ramaswamy, emphasizing the state’s blue-collar demographic.
DeSantis’ Criticism of Ramaswamy
DeSantis argued that Ramaswamy’s policies, such as his stance on H-1B visas, alienated Ohio’s working-class voters. He stated, “Ohio is a working-class state, very blue-collar. Vivek, he’s a tech guy… He wants to bring in foreign workers on visas. That is not the type of person that is going to sell.” DeSantis also questioned why Ramaswamy was pushed as the party’s candidate, suggesting that his background and policy positions were misaligned with Ohio’s electorate.
Ramaswamy, who founded Roivant Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company valued at nearly $29 billion, had previously run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. His campaign in Ohio had been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who had encouraged him to seek office. However, DeSantis’ remarks reflect broader concerns within the GOP about Ramaswamy’s appeal to traditional working-class voters.
Ramaswamy’s Policy Stances
Ramaswamy had advocated for reforming the H-1B visa system, arguing in a 2024 social media post that American companies often turn to foreign talent due to a lack of domestic innovation. He stated that the current lottery-based system should be “gutted.” However, his stance on immigration drew criticism from some Republicans, including DeSantis, who argued that it conflicted with the priorities of Ohio’s blue-collar base.
During a September 2024 interview, Ramaswamy declined to answer questions about H-1B visas, further fueling speculation about his position on the issue. His campaign had also faced scrutiny over his business background, with critics questioning whether his experience as a billionaire entrepreneur aligned with the economic concerns of Ohio voters.
Election Results and Broader Context
Ramaswamy’s defeat occurred amid a broader Democratic wave in the 2026 midterms, which saw significant gains for Democrats across the country. The race was widely viewed as a referendum on Trump’s influence in the GOP, with some analysts suggesting that Ramaswamy’s loss reflected voter dissatisfaction with Trump-backed candidates. DeSantis, who ran for president in 2024 and is term-limited as Florida governor after 2026, did not endorse Ramaswamy in the Ohio race.
The election results underscore ongoing debates within the Republican Party about how to appeal to working-class voters, particularly in Rust Belt states like Ohio. DeSantis’ criticism of Ramaswamy highlights divisions within the GOP over policy priorities and messaging strategies.