Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost suspended his campaign for governor on Friday in a show of party solidarity, telling Republicans in the state he did not wish to divide the GOP on trivial matters.
In a letter to supporters, Yost noted that he now had a “vertical climb” to overcome the momentum held by Vivek Ramaswamy who received the endorsement of the Ohio Republican Party earlier in the week.
“I do not wish to divide my political party or my state with a quixotic battle over the small differences between my vision and that of my opponent,” Yost wrote in his message. “I am simply not that important.”
"Columbus needs re-engineering, not demolition," he wrote. "Sherrod Brown and the risky progressive ideas of his party will unwind all of the good that the last 15 years of Republican leadership has brought. This is a time to protect Ohio, not a time for a family squabble."
Yost’s announcement comes following several weeks of backdoor maneuvering to determine who would lead the GOP in the Buckeye State as current Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine nears the end of his second term. Last week it was reported that DeWine had reportedly asked the state’s GOP not to formally endorse Ramaswamy for governor.
In February, Ramaswamy announced his intention to run for governor of Ohio and shortly thereafter, he received endorsements from the three most prominent voices in conservative politics in President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Elon Musk.
"VIVEK RAMASWAMY is running for Governor of the Great State of Ohio. I know him well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL. He's Young, Strong, and Smart! Vivek is also a very good person, who truly loves our Country.” Trump posted on his Truth Social network.
In response to Yost’s letter, Ramaswamy responded, “Congratulations to Dave on running a thoughtful campaign. He has served Ohio with great dedication, and I am confident he will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of our state and our nation.”
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