Ohio GOP Governor Hopeful Dave Yost Says: ‘I’ve Got Receipts, Not Just Rhetoric’ in Race Against Ramaswamy

WASHINGTON, DC – The Ohio GOP gubernatorial primary just got even spicier, as Attorney General Dave Yost is making it clear he’s not just another talking head in the race against tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Yost is doubling down on what he calls his ‘record of results,’ hoping to set himself apart from Ramaswamy’s high-profile endorsements and headline-grabbing persona.

Yost, fresh from celebrating with the Ohio State Buckeyes at the White House, told Fox News Digital, "We do agree on an awful lot of things. The difference is that I'm running on a record of results, not just rhetoric." That record includes uncovering a cool $260 million in efficiency savings during his tenure as state auditor—a number that’s hard to ignore, no matter which side of the aisle you’re on.

He didn’t shy away from touting his crime-fighting credentials either. Since becoming attorney general in 2019, Yost claims his team has put more than 170 people behind bars for public corruption. "We’ve been in the trenches. We don’t need on-the-job training." Clearly, he’s not looking for an entry-level gig.

Still, Yost faces a tough climb. Ramaswamy is leading in the polls and has racked up endorsements from heavyweights like President Trump, Elon Musk, and Rep. Jim Jordan. But Yost is all about the underdog energy, saying, "I've been getting back out and talking with folks. The reception has been amazing. People are eager for a new America First kind of leadership in Ohio. And I am really excited about where we're heading."

When it comes to the death penalty, Yost didn’t mince words. He says it’s time for clarity and action, noting, "We need the death penalty." He pointed out that no one’s been executed in Ohio since 2018 and argued that the state’s current situation is more "overdue process" than due process. According to him, it's time to either abolish it or get serious about enforcing it.

On the local front, Yost isn’t thrilled about pro sports teams asking taxpayers to foot the bill for new stadiums. "I’m not so sure that the taxpayers ought to be throwing tax money at these big public stadium projects," he said. With the Browns, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati all lining up for big money, Yost is worried Ohio could end up spending billions on buildings "used in one town a few days a year." He wants a plan, a limit—something more than the current free-for-all.

Yost also highlighted that everyday economic concerns are dominating conversations with voters. He made a point of saying that Trump’s tariffs, despite criticism from the so-called coastal elite, are actually pretty popular in Ohio. Businesses on the ground, he says, see it as a chance to reignite local industries, even if it comes with some growing pains.

Wrapping up, Yost leaned into his campaign mantra: "My record of results shows that I am the candidate with the experience and the vision and the know-how to bring Ohio to the bright future that's out there for us." With the governor’s mansion up for grabs and two very different styles on display, this primary is shaping up to be a true test of receipts versus rhetoric.