Teamsters Union Endorses Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor in Surprising Political Shift
The Ohio Conference of Teamsters has made waves in state politics by endorsing Vivek Ramaswamy for the 2026 gubernatorial race, marking a significant departure from their traditional support of Democratic candidates. This endorsement represents more than just a political win for Ramaswamy—it signals a potential realignment of labor support in a key Midwestern state. The Teamsters, representing over 50,000 Ohio workers, had previously backed Democratic figures like former Representative Tim Ryan. Their shift to Ramaswamy suggests the biotech entrepreneur and former presidential candidate is successfully positioning himself as a champion for working-class Ohioans despite his Republican affiliation.
This endorsement doesn’t stand alone in Ramaswamy’s growing labor coalition. His campaign has secured support from several major unions, including the Ohio State Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council, and the Northwest Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that some of these same unions are simultaneously backing Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, suggesting their endorsements transcend strict party lines and focus more on individual candidates’ perceived commitment to labor issues. Ramaswamy has also earned endorsements from former President Donald Trump and the Ohio Republican Party, bridging traditional conservative support with his new labor backing.
“The Teamsters are proud to endorse Vivek Ramaswamy for Governor of Ohio. Our members want a leader who will fight for good-paying jobs and strengthen the future for Ohio’s working families,” said Patrick J. Darrow, president of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters. This endorsement language emphasizes economic priorities over partisan identity, reflecting a pragmatic approach from union leadership. Darrow specifically mentioned Ramaswamy’s “commitment to listening to labor and partnering with us to deliver real results,” suggesting the candidate has made substantial outreach efforts to understand and address union concerns, despite not coming from a traditional labor background.
Ramaswamy’s response to the endorsement reinforced his attempt to transcend traditional political divisions: “This isn’t about left vs. right, it’s about up vs. down.” This framing positions him as a populist candidate focused on economic mobility rather than ideological battles. “We are building a movement that restores dignity to work, rewards those who keep our economy moving, and ensures every Ohioan has a fair shot at the American Dream,” he continued, employing language that resonates with both traditional Democratic labor constituencies and Republican voters concerned about economic opportunity and American values. This messaging strategy appears to be paying dividends, as his campaign reported that nearly $220,000 of contributions in his first months as a candidate came from individuals who previously gave to Democratic candidate Tim Ryan.
The Teamsters’ endorsement comes at a time when labor unions nationwide are reassessing their traditional political alliances. While unions have historically aligned with Democrats, recent years have seen Republicans making inroads with working-class voters, particularly in Rust Belt states like Ohio. Ramaswamy, leveraging both his business background and populist messaging, appears to be capitalizing on this shift. His campaign is presenting a vision that emphasizes job creation, economic growth, and working-class prosperity—themes that appeal across partisan lines in a state with a strong manufacturing and industrial heritage. This approach reflects a broader national conversation about the evolving relationship between political parties and labor organizations.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ramaswamy will likely face former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton, currently the leading Democratic contender, while Tim Ryan has yet to announce whether he’ll enter the race. The endorsement from the Teamsters gives Ramaswamy significant momentum and credibility with working-class voters who might otherwise lean Democratic. It also presents a challenge for Democratic candidates who have traditionally counted on union support as part of their electoral coalition. Ramaswamy has pledged to spend at least $30 million of his own money in the race, and when combined with his growing labor support, he appears to be positioning himself as a formidable candidate who can appeal beyond traditional Republican constituencies. This race may ultimately serve as a bellwether for how successfully Republicans can continue to make inroads with organized labor and working-class voters in the Midwest.
