During bid for governor, Ramaswamy has spent nearly 40% of his time outside of Ohio

A new report found that since launching his campaign for governor, Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has spent nearly 40% of his time outside Ohio in 2026 as he faces off against Democratic nominee Amy Acton.

The findings come from a report published by The Rooster, a Columbus, Ohio based political newsletter run by D.J. Byrnes. By cross-referencing federal flight records for Ramaswamy’s two private jets with his campaign’s event calendar and X profile, the report found that the multibillionaire has spent 79 days away from Ohio in 2026. The out-of-state trips 14 international travel legs to multiple countries, including Turks and Caicos, France, Greece and Portugal.

Ramaswamy’s extensive air travel builds on an ongoing pattern. A previous Heartland Signal analysis revealed the Republican spent at least $780,000 on private jet travel in 2025. In February, Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed to Heartland Signal that the candidate personally loaned his campaign the funds to cover his flight expenses.

The former biotech executive — whose estimated net worth has increased by roughly $1.8 billion since launching his gubernatorial bid in February 2025 — infused his campaign with a $25 million personal contribution in April. Elon Musk, Ramaswamy’s former co-lead at the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), also poured $5 million into an allied super PAC supporting Ramaswamy’s campaign.

Where the Ohio governor’s race stands

The latest revelation about Ramaswamy’s travel comes less than four months from the general election against Acton. The candidates are vying to replace outgoing Gov. Mike DeWine (R), who is term limited.

Acton has criticized Ramaswamy’s candidacy as an out-of-touch billionaire whose luxurious lifestyle makes disconnects him from Ohioans. Acton, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, has drawn sharp contrasts between her working-class background and Ramaswamy’s wealth.

Despite Ohio’s recent trend toward conservative candidates in statewide elections, Acton has shown unexpected fundraising strength. Reports show Acton has raised more money than any Democratic candidate for governor in Ohio with $18.5 million raised as of early July. However, Ramaswamy maintains a overwhelming financial advantage overall, raising roughly $50 million in the race with half coming from himself.

For his part, Ramaswamy has sought to frame the election around economic growth, tax cuts and opposition to pandemic-era public health policies. His campaign has repeatedly attacked Acton as “Dr. Lockdown,” targeting her role overseeing health orders under DeWine in 2020. DeWine has repeatedly pushed back on Ramaswamy’s claims.

Acton is also facing pushback from progressives after she criticized transgender girls and women participating in sports last month. Claims of her sacrificing LGBTQ+ Ohioans for electability led to her explicitly adding her support for the community on her website.

Cook Political Report recently shifted the race to a tossup, while recent polling also suggests a neck-and-neck race.