(The Center Square) – The last potential challenger to Vivek Ramaswamy for the Republican nomination for governor is leaving the party.
Heather Hill, a businesswoman and former school board president from rural Morgan County, was the first to enter the race, but announced she will continue her campaign as a Libertarian, a member of Elon Musk’s new American Party or an independent.
“I have made the tough decision to move from the Republican Party and continue my 2026 run for Ohio governor under a different ticket,” Hill said on social media. “The Ohio GOP has made it very clear that there is no room in their party for someone like you and me. I will never compromise my conservative values and beliefs and the only thing that will be changing is the letter behind my name.”
She said, “I will go where I am celebrated, not where I am tolerated.”
With a little more than six months to go before the May 5 primary, the GOP-endorsed Ramaswamy has no official challenger. Attorney General Dave Yost suspended his campaign in May.
However, rumors continue to swirl surrounding Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel’s potential candidacy.
Only former Director of Health Dr. Amy Acton is a declared Democratic candidate. Former Congressman Tim Ryan, who lost a close race for the U.S. Senate to J.D. Vance two years ago, is considering a run.
Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown recently announced he will run against Sen. Jon Husted next year for the remaining two years of Vance’s term.
A poll released by Emerson College last week showed Ramaswamy holds a large lead, 49%-39%, over Acton in a potential race for governor.
Gov. Mike DeWine cannot run for a third term.
