Vivek Ramaswamy Calls on Conservative Youth to Shape Future of GOP Movement
PHOENIX, Ariz. — As the conservative movement grapples with its next chapter following the death of prominent activist Charlie Kirk, Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is turning to the energy and enthusiasm of young conservatives to help chart a new course. Speaking at AmericaFest 2025, a major gathering of conservative voters and activists hosted by Turning Point USA, Ramaswamy invoked President John F. Kennedy’s famous exhortation to serve one’s country, framing his campaign and policy agenda as a call to action for a new generation.
“We have to offer our own vision of what we actually stand for,” Ramaswamy told Fox News Digital shortly after arriving at the Phoenix Convention Center. “It’s clear that a lot of these young people were, just like me and the rest of us, affected by Charlie’s death. And they’re hungry for direction.” The event drew thousands of attendees, many of them young conservatives eager to engage in the movement’s future.
Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and political newcomer, is seeking to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Mike DeWine in Ohio, a state that has long been a reliable red stronghold. However, he cautioned that no race can be taken for granted, especially as Republicans have faced setbacks in recent elections across key states like Florida and Pennsylvania. “Conservatives can’t take any political races for granted,” he said.
Central to Ramaswamy’s platform is a focus on economic relief and state-level reforms. He emphasized the need to “put more money back in people’s pockets” by cutting taxes, including a bold proposal to eliminate the state income tax entirely. “We can do certain things, like bring down electric bills by producing more energy,” he noted, “but the direct way we can help people is by bringing down the property tax burden and taking the income tax rate down to zero so people have more money to afford things.”
Ramaswamy also highlighted the importance of the MAHA (Making America’s Healthier Again) initiative, which aims to reduce health care costs by promoting healthier food choices. He described MAHA’s efforts as “key to bringing down health care costs,” a critical concern for many voters.
His remarks came amid a broader conversation at AmericaFest about the future of the conservative movement, particularly the role of young activists in shaping its direction. Ramaswamy praised the fusion of populism and traditional conservatism that he sees emerging among the youth, calling the scenes at the festival “encouraging.”
Turning Point USA, the organization behind AmericaFest, has been a major force in mobilizing young conservatives nationwide. Its founder, Charlie Kirk, passed away earlier this year, leaving a leadership void that many attendees and leaders are eager to fill. Ramaswamy’s engagement with this demographic signals his intent to be a unifying figure.
Ramaswamy’s campaign is also mindful of the national political landscape as the 2026 midterms approach. He underscored the need for Republicans to move beyond simply defeating Democrats and to articulate a positive vision for governance.
“I think we’ve got to worry less about just defeating the left because we did that last year. That’s not good enough,” he said. “We have to offer our own vision of what we actually stand for.”
His approach reflects a broader trend within the GOP to reenergize its base by focusing on economic issues such as tax relief, energy production, and health care reform, while also appealing to younger voters who seek a more dynamic and inclusive conservative movement.
For more on the conservative movement and youth engagement, visit the Turning Point USA official site. Details on Ohio’s gubernatorial races can be found at the Ohio Secretary of State. Information on state tax policies is available through the Ohio Department of Taxation. For insights on health care initiatives like MAHA, see the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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