Ramaswamy outlines seven proposed executive orders targeting immigration, public spending, visa fraud and crime as he seeks to become Ohio governor…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Indian-American Republican Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign for Ohio governor has placed immigration enforcement, public spending, visa fraud and crime at the centre of the state’s political debate, with seven proposed first-day executive orders outlining his priorities if elected.
Ramaswamy published the proposals on social media ahead of Tuesday’s gubernatorial election, promising to sign them on his first day in office. “Here’s my list of Day 1 Executive Orders. They’ll be signed before midnight on January 11. Buckle up,” he wrote on X.
The proposals include establishing an anti-fraud task force reporting directly to the governor. It would investigate alleged fraud involving Medicaid, public benefits, childcare, visas, voter registration and trucking, including foreign commercial driving licences and the employment of foreign workers by public entities.
Another proposal would seek to end sanctuary city policies. Local governments failing to honour federal immigration detainer requests or share information as permitted by federal law could lose eligibility for certain state grants.
He also proposed pausing applications, permits and incentives for new data centres until the legislature passes comprehensive legislation.
Other measures include asking the Ohio Department of Medicaid to seek a federal waiver to cap state spending, investigating jurisdictions where property taxes have increased by more than 100 per cent since 2020, improving violent crime clearance rates and reviewing state contracts funded through the General Revenue Fund.
The proposals are campaign pledges, and their implementation would depend on legal and legislative approvals.
A campaign shaped by Trump and immigration
In his final campaign appearances, Ramaswamy emphasised lower property taxes, stronger law enforcement and reduced electricity bills through increased energy production.
“Ohioans first, that’s my sole responsibility as Governor,” he wrote on X following a campaign stop in Toledo. Other Indian-American candidates also made contrasting appeals during the election campaign.
In New York, Republican Saritha Komatireddy focused on crime, homelessness and fraud in her challenge to Attorney General Letitia James. Democratic Congressman Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia called for greater congressional oversight of President Donald Trump. California Congressman Ro Khanna criticised Trump’s approach to Iran, while Democratic candidates Pooja Sethi in Texas and Pia Dandiya in Florida addressed anti-Indian hate and children’s future.
Republican criticism adds pressure
Ramaswamy’s campaign faced criticism within his own party over an advertisement featuring Amy Acton’s estranged biological mother, Donna Arthur.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie described Ramaswamy as one of the worst candidates the Republican Party had put forward for a major position during an appearance on ABC’s ‘This Week’.
Acton criticised the advertisement, while Republican Governor Mike DeWine called on Ramaswamy to withdraw it. Trump and Vice-President JD Vance defended the Republican nominee.
The Cook Political Report rated the contest “Lean Democrat”. The FiftyPlusOne polling average on October 30 placed Acton at 48 per cent and Ramaswamy at 45 per cent. A Suffolk University and USA TODAY Network survey also gave Acton a 48-44 per cent lead.
A test of his political agenda
Beyond the result, the contest will test whether Ramaswamy can translate his national political profile into support for his state-level agenda.
His proposals on immigration, Medicaid spending, data centres and public safety could bring him into confrontation with local authorities, businesses and federal agencies.
For Ramaswamy, the election represents a major test of his transition from national political figure and presidential candidate to a potential governor.
