Vivek Ramaswamy, a former biotech executive and multimillionaire, has the opportunity to further his presence in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination during Wednesday night’s debate. Here are some key details about Ramaswamy’s life and career.
Ramaswamy, 38, was born in Ohio to immigrant parents from southern India. Although raised in the Hindu faith, he attended a Catholic high school. He obtained a biology degree from Harvard University before attending Yale Law School.
Before graduating from Yale, Ramaswamy worked as a hedge fund investor and had already amassed several million dollars. In 2014, he founded his own biotech company called Roivant Sciences (ROIV.O), which acquired patents for drugs that were not fully developed or marketed from larger companies. He stepped down as CEO in 2021, and Forbes estimated his wealth to be $630 million in 2023.
During his college years, Ramaswamy identified as a libertarian. While at Harvard, he performed rap songs with libertarian themes under the stage name “Da Vek.” He has showcased his rap skills on the campaign trail this year, with his rendition of Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ at the Iowa State Fair gaining viral attention on social media.
Ramaswamy voted for a libertarian candidate in the 2004 presidential election but did not vote in 2008, 2012, or 2016. He has made contributions to candidates from both the Republican and Democratic parties. In 2020, he stated that he voted for former Republican President Donald Trump.
In recent years, Ramaswamy has become a staunch conservative. His book ‘Woke, Inc.’, published in 2021, criticizes big companies for prioritizing social justice and climate change in their business strategies. He denounces “wokeism” as a detrimental force to hard work, capitalism, religious faith, and patriotism. The book elevated Ramaswamy’s standing among conservatives, propelling him as a rising star within the right-wing movement.
Ramaswamy announced his presidential campaign in February, despite initially being considered a long shot. While he still trails behind many of his rivals in most polls, he has been gaining ground, particularly against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is fighting to maintain his second-place position.
As he seeks to appeal to Christian evangelicals, an influential segment of the Republican primary electorate, Ramaswamy has staunchly defended Trump. Despite being a Hindu, he emphasizes that the United States is founded on “Christian values” and “Judeo-Christian values” and identifies as an American nationalist.
Ramaswamy’s policy positions align with deep conservatism. He opposes affirmative action and supports state-level bans on abortion after six weeks, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and when the mother’s life is at risk. He aims to significantly expand presidential powers and dismantle various federal government agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Education, and the Internal Revenue Service.
Regarding international affairs, Ramaswamy opposes Ukraine’s NATO membership and suggests that Kiev should make concessions to Russia to end the war, including allowing Russia to retain parts of Ukraine it currently occupies.
In conclusion, Vivek Ramaswamy, a former biotech executive and multimillionaire, is making waves in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. His background, career, and conservative stances have garnered attention and support, positioning him as a contender in the political landscape.
