There’s a running joke in desi circles that the Telugu vs Tamil fight was settled once and for all when the Trump-Vance ticket trumped Harris-Walz in the 2024 US Presidential election race. The received wisdom went that Harris, whose mother was Tamil, was trumped by the “Hillbily” JD Vance, who has become so by virtue of his marriage to Usha an honorary Telugu.
For those not familiar with the dynamics, the Telugu-Tamil battle is as old as the time when the two states were both part of the Madras Presidency before being divided into two states (Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh) along linguistic lines. The Tamil-Telugu rivalry continues in all aspects, including cinema, the true origin of grandmaster Gukesh (is he a Tamilian because he learnt his chess in Chennai?) and who makes better sambhar (a sour lentli-based stew).
Of course, all that’s a joke because the two big representatives in the MAGA camp – Vivek Ramaswamy, whose parents came from Andhra Pradesh, and JD and Usha Vance – get along rather well and are buddies from their Yale days. In fact, in what will be a rare win for Vivek, who has only garnered negative headlines recently, the former presidential candidate is bringing on board JD Vance’s top operatives to launch his gubernatorial campaign in Ohio.
A Yale Connection with Political Consequences
Vivek Ramaswamy and JD Vance first crossed paths at Yale Law School, where they built a friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared ambitions.
Both men emerged as unconventional conservatives, leveraging their outsider status to carve significant political and cultural influence. Vance’s journey from bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy to Vice President of the US reflects his ability to connect with working-class voters. Ramaswamy, on the other hand, has made waves with his unapologetic defence of free-market principles, his critiques of “woke” culture, and his emphasis on intellectual achievement.
Their partnership has now extended into the political arena, with Vance lending his top advisers to Ramaswamy’s campaign. The move underscores a shared vision for Ohio’s future and a broader strategy to solidify their influence within the Republican Party.
Vivek’s Avengers Assemble
Ramaswamy’s campaign team reads like a who’s who of Republican political operatives. Andy Surabian and Jai Chabria, who played pivotal roles in Vance’s Senate and vice-presidential campaigns, have joined the effort. Chabria, a seasoned Ohio strategist, will serve as the campaign’s general consultant. Surabian, a veteran of Trump’s earlier races, will oversee an outside political organisation aligned with Ramaswamy.
The team also includes Tony Fabrizio, the pollster who contributed to Vance’s successful 2022 Senate bid and has worked on several Trump campaigns. Arthur Schwartz, a close ally of both Vance and Donald Trump Jr., is also on board. Additionally, veterans from Ramaswamy’s 2024 presidential run – Ben Yoho, Michael Biundo, and Chris Grant – will play significant roles in the campaign.
These hirings reflect a strategic alignment between Ramaswamy and the broader Republican establishment. With advisers who have proven their mettle in high-stakes campaigns, Ramaswamy is well-positioned to navigate what is expected to be a competitive primary to replace term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine in 2026.
Navigating a Crowded Field
Ramaswamy’s path to the governor’s mansion is far from guaranteed. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has already declared his candidacy, tapping Justin Clark, a veteran of Trump’s campaigns, as his general consultant. State Treasurer Robert Sprague is also expected to enter the race soon. Both candidates have strong ties to Ohio’s political machinery, posing formidable challenges to Ramaswamy’s outsider bid.
However, Ramaswamy’s national profile and ties to influential figures like Vance and Trump give him a unique edge. His ability to articulate a vision that resonates with Ohio voters while leveraging his connections to the MAGA movement will be critical to his success.
The Fallout from DOGE
Ramaswamy’s campaign comes on the heels of his departure from the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where he served briefly before parting ways. His exit has been the subject of intense speculation, with some pointing to his controversial comments on immigration and academic excellence as contributing factors.
In December, Ramaswamy sparked a firestorm with a tweet criticising what he described as America’s “cultural veneration of mediocrity.” He argued that the US had deprioritised academic excellence in favour of social conformity, suggesting this cultural failing was why top tech companies often hired foreign-born engineers over native-born Americans. The tweet polarised audiences, earning praise from some for its boldness while drawing criticism from others who accused him of elitism and undermining American workers.
The controversy reportedly exacerbated tensions with Elon Musk, a key figure within DOGE and a close adviser to Trump. Sources suggest Musk viewed Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial ambitions as a distraction from DOGE’s mission to streamline federal bureaucracy, ultimately leading to his ouster.
JD Vance’s Role
For JD Vance, supporting Ramaswamy’s bid is both a strategic and personal decision. As Vice President, Vance’s influence within the Republican Party has grown significantly, and his endorsement carries considerable weight. By aligning his team with Ramaswamy, Vance is flexing his political muscle and signalling his confidence in their shared vision for conservative governance.
Vance’s involvement also reflects a broader effort to build a coalition of like-minded leaders who can advance the America First agenda. With his deep roots in Ohio and his close relationship with Ramaswamy, Vance’s support could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of the gubernatorial race.
The Usha Factor
Another dimension of the Ramaswamy-Vance alliance is their shared connection to Usha Vance, JD Vance’s wife. A practising Hindu, Usha has faced both admiration and criticism within the MAGA movement, which often grapples with questions of inclusivity and multiculturalism. Her presence at Vance’s side has helped normalise non-Christian identities within a movement that has historically emphasised Christian nationalism.
For Ramaswamy, who is unapologetically Hindu, this shared cultural identity underscores the complexities of navigating a movement that often views multiculturalism with suspicion. While his faith sets him apart from many in the Republican base, it also positions him as a symbol of the movement’s potential to broaden its appeal.
Challenges Ahead
As Ramaswamy prepares to launch his campaign, he faces a series of challenges that will test his political acumen and resilience. His polarising views on immigration, education, and cultural values will undoubtedly attract scrutiny from both opponents and allies. Additionally, his brief tenure at DOGE and his subsequent departure could become a focal point for critics seeking to question his commitment to the MAGA agenda.
However, Ramaswamy’s strengths lie in his ability to articulate a compelling vision and connect with voters on issues that resonate deeply with them. His emphasis on intellectual achievement, free-market principles, and government efficiency aligns closely with the priorities of many conservative voters. By leveraging his national profile and the support of key figures like JD Vance, he has a strong foundation from which to build his campaign.