Ramaswamy wants more data centers in Ohio — and profits from them
News Cliptiffinohio.net·OH·4/8/2026
Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP frontrunner for Ohio governor, advocates for more AI data centers and Bitcoin mining operations in the state, despite concerns about rising electricity costs, strained water resources, and limited permanent job creation. His stance is tied to his personal financial interests in cryptocurrency through his company Strive and significant campaign donations from crypto billionaires, while rural communities in Ohio are actively opposing data center expansion through initiatives like a proposed constitutional amendment.
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Microsoft
Gov: Ohio House, Ohio State Treasurer, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, Ohio State Teachers Retirement System, Ohio Consumers
Counsel, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Ballot Board
Vivek Ramaswamy, a leading Republican candidate for Ohio governor in 2026, has consistently promoted the expansion of AI data centers and Bitcoin mining operations across Ohio, framing them as economic opportunities. His advocacy comes despite growing concerns among rural communities regarding their impact on electricity costs, water resources, and the creation of relatively few permanent jobs compared to substantial tax breaks received by data center companies.
Ramaswamy's support for the data center boom is linked to his financial ties to the cryptocurrency industry. His asset management company, Strive, has heavily invested in Bitcoin, with its stock price now directly tied to Bitcoin's value. Furthermore, his gubernatorial super PAC received $24 million from two major donors, Ross Stevens and Jeff Yass, both with significant financial stakes in cryptocurrency ventures and the expansion of crypto infrastructure. Ramaswamy has also praised Ohio House Bill 18, which would allow the state treasurer to invest state funds into a Bitcoin reserve.
While Ramaswamy proposes deregulating energy production to meet the increased demand from data centers, rural Ohioans are facing tangible consequences. Data centers have received $2.5 billion in state and local tax incentives since 2017. A University of Virginia report noted that in 2024, Ohio's data centers created approximately 22,300 short-term construction jobs but only about 4,500 permanent positions. The industry is also implicated in significant spikes in Ohio electric bills and poses serious threats to water supplies, particularly in central Ohio.
Community backlash has led to a proposed constitutional amendment, spearheaded by "Ohio Residents for Responsible Development" from Adams and Brown counties, which seeks to ban data centers consuming over 25 megawatts of power. Additionally, at least 15 Ohio communities have enacted moratoriums on new data center construction. Critics argue that Ramaswamy's proposals fail to address these issues, instead promoting policies that align with his personal and donor interests.