Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced that he is suspending his campaign for governor in 2026.

In an email to his supporters, the 68-year-old Yost stated that it is "apparent that a steep climb to the nomination for governor has become a vertical cliff. 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. I am simply not that important."

Yost's announcement comes one week after President Trump-endorsed biotech billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy won the Ohio Republican Party’s gubernatorial endorsement, landing coveted institutional and monetary support nearly a year before the 2026 primary.

Ramaswamy provided the below statement to 3News following Yost's announcement:

“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.”

With Yost's announcement, Ramaswamy and Appalachian entrepreneur Heather Hill are the lone remaining GOP candidates vying to replace term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine.

DeWine's lieutenant governor, Jim Tressel, broke his silence last week to say he is also considering a bid for governor. Tressel is a championship-winning former Ohio State Buckeyes head football coach whose popularity among a fan base known as Buckeye Nation could pose a challenge for Ramaswamy. The filing deadline for the race is Feb. 4, 2026.


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