2026 Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy

WINTERSVILLE — Several candidates for public office are expected to speak during the Jefferson County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner, including 2026 Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

A biotech entrepreneur and Columbus-area resident, Ramaswamy, 39, will provide the keynote address at the GOP’s dinner, which will take March 26 at St. Florian Event Center, 286 Luray Drive, Wintersville.

Ramaswamy, a Republican who ran for president in the 2024 election before endorsing Donald Trump, officially announced his candidacy for the Ohio governor’s seat Monday. The Cincinnati native joins a growing list of candidates — including Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost — vying for the GOP nomination for the position currently held by Mike DeWine, who’s reached his term limit.

The Lincoln Day Dinner is a nationwide GOP tradition, recognizing President Abraham Lincoln’s leadership in the party. Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Brian Scarpone said it’s an opportunity for party members to gather and hear from candidates directly.

“It’s another way of updating people on what’s going on with their government,” Scarpone said. “It’s supposed to be informative and recognize the hard work people have done within the party and what’s going on with our candidates and our government.”

Last year’s Jefferson County dinner secured then-Lt. Gov. Jon Husted as its keynote speaker. Husted, who was appointed to the U.S. Senate Jan. 17, called the Jefferson County Republican Party “strong” and projected the GOP as a whole to be on an upswing.

Scarpone said Ramaswamy’s visit demonstrates the “positive attention” Jefferson County has garnered because of its amenities and improvements, despite economic hardship.

“We’re turning a corner and showing there’s a lot of work left to do,” he said. “I think it’s symbolic not only with (Ramaswamy) but other (candidates who’ve visited): Senators, congressmen, state officeholders. I think that’s a testimony to the area and to the people that we’re moving forward.”

Scarpone said that “scheduling with sessions in D.C. and Columbus” will determine how many additional Republican candidates for office can stop by the dinner. However, he hopes attendees will include Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague, candidate for Ohio secretary of state; Auditor Keith Faber, candidate for Ohio attorney general, and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, candidate for Ohio auditor.

Tickets for the dinner can be ordered at jeffersoncountyohiogop.com. The cost is $100, and individuals must RSVP by March 16. For information, individuals should call (740) 632-1178.

A social hour will kick off the event at 5 p.m., with dinner and the program following promptly at 6 p.m.

Scarpone said of the dinner: “Each year, we try to grow the Lincoln Day Dinner. We hit our targets, and I think we’ll definitely surpass our last record of attendees. We always try to increase the attendance because it’s informative and people get to hear these candidates.”

Dr. Amy Acton, the state’s former health director, is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor.