Vivek Ramaswamy Taps Ohio Senate President Rob McColley as Lieutenant Governor Pick

Republican gubernatorial front-runner Vivek Ramaswamy has selected Ohio State Senate President Rob McColley as his running mate for lieutenant governor, Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed to NBC News. Ramaswamy plans to formally introduce McColley at an event Wednesday night in Cleveland.

A Millennial Ticket With Legislative Experience

The pairing combines Ramaswamy — the 40-year-old entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate — with a seasoned legislator who can serve as the campaign’s primary presence inside the Ohio General Assembly. McColley is 41, making the GOP ticket fully millennial.

Campaign Statements

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

McColley added: “Ohio needs a businessman, not a bureaucrat; a creator, not a quitter; a visionary, not a victim. That leader is Vivek Ramaswamy. He will be one of the boldest leaders in the history of our state, and I’m honored to help execute his vision.”

Context and Political Implications

Ramaswamy, who has the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, reported nearly $20 million raised last year — a substantial early haul that reportedly did not include contributions from his personal wealth. That fundraising, combined with national name recognition and Trump’s backing, has positioned Ramaswamy as the frontrunner in the Republican primary.

Democrats are expected to nominate physician Amy Acton, Ohio’s former health director during the early Covid-19 pandemic. Several early polls indicate a competitive general-election matchup between Acton and Ramaswamy.

McColley’s Recent Profile

McColley had been considering a congressional run in a district long held by Rep. Marcy Kaptur. He played a central role in last year’s congressional redistricting in Ohio, which changed the boundaries of Kaptur’s Toledo-anchored district to include more of McColley’s state legislative territory, including his hometown. With McColley off the congressional slate, the Republican primary in that district is expected to be contested by figures such as former state Rep. Derek Merrin, state Rep. Josh Williams and Air Force veteran Alea Nadeem.

Primary Dynamics

Ramaswamy’s entrance and fundraising success appear to have cleared the field of several high-profile Republicans. State Attorney General Dave Yost ended his campaign after the Ohio Republican Party aligned with Trump and backed Ramaswamy. Other names that were discussed publicly — including Josh Mandel and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose — were reportedly vetted during Ramaswamy’s search for a running mate before he settled on McColley. Entrepreneur Casey Putsch has emerged as a vocal challenger to Ramaswamy in the May primary.

What’s Next

• Ramaswamy will formally introduce McColley at a Cleveland event Wednesday night.
• The campaign will likely emphasize McColley’s legislative experience to advance a proposed policy agenda if the ticket wins statewide office.
• Watch for confirmation of the Democratic nominee and updated polling as the general election contest takes shape.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.