Vivek Ramaswamy, a candidate for Ohio Governor, drew a crowd of over 400 supporters to a campaign rally in Stark County on September 16, 2025. The event, hosted by the Stark GOP at La Pizzaria in Canton, Ohio, also saw a presence of protesters sharing their viewpoints outside. Ramaswamy expressed gratitude for both groups, emphasizing the importance of nonviolent dissent in America. In a social media post following the rally, Ramaswamy stated, "> Grateful to the 400+ patriots who came out for us in Stark County tonight...and also to the handful of protesters outside, for sharing their viewpoints. Nonviolent dissent is acceptable, this is America. 🇺🇸" This acknowledgment highlights his stance on freedom of expression. The rally was part of his ongoing campaign to lead the Buckeye State. Ramaswamy officially launched his bid for Ohio Governor in February 2025, following an unsuccessful run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. His gubernatorial campaign has quickly gained momentum, securing an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump and the Ohio Republican Party. This backing has positioned him as a frontrunner in the Republican primary. His platform for Ohio focuses on a range of conservative reforms aimed at economic prosperity and educational excellence. Key proposals include eliminating the state income tax, reducing property taxes, and streamlining regulations to attract businesses. Ramaswamy also advocates for merit-based systems in education, proposing policies such as banning phones in classrooms and implementing merit-based pay for teachers. On public safety, Ramaswamy has pledged to empower police officers and reintroduce psychiatric institutions to address crime. He aims to make Ohio a leading state for raising families, growing businesses, and achieving the American Dream. His campaign seeks to position Ohio as a model for national revival, emphasizing energy independence and manufacturing dominance.