Vivek Ramaswamy, a GOP gubernatorial contender in Ohio, emphasized on Tuesday that Republicans must concentrate on addressing affordability and steer clear of engaging in “identity politics” to secure future electoral victories.

Ramaswamy, who is not only a biotech engineer but also a former presidential candidate, shared his perspective on the lessons Republicans should glean following a series of Democratic wins in significant races nationwide.

“We faced a significant setback in New Jersey, Virginia, and New York City, with Democrats clinching victories in all three,” Ramaswamy noted. “There are two crucial lessons for Republicans here. Pay close attention,” he advised in a video he posted on the social platform X.

He stressed the importance of making life more affordable for Americans. “Our focus needs to be on affordability. We must make the American Dream attainable by reducing costs in areas like electricity, groceries, healthcare, and housing, and provide clear strategies on achieving this,” he elaborated.

Furthermore, Ramaswamy urged a departure from identity politics. “This approach doesn’t align with Republican values. It’s a tool of the ‘woke left,’ and not our game,” he stated firmly. “We are not concerned with skin color or religion; our focus is on the character of individuals. That’s the core of who we are.”

In governors’ races in Virginia and New Jersey, voters elected former Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), respectively. In New York City, residents voted for the Democratic nominee, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, now poised to be the first Muslim mayor of the nation’s biggest city.

Though Spanberger and Sherrill campaigned from the moderate center and, Mamdani, from the progressive left, all three Democrats prioritized cost of living and affordability while talking to voters.

Mamdani remained focused on economic issues, even as some of his opponents at times made direct and indirect jabs at his religious identity. In the final days of his campaign, a group backing his opponent released an ad tying the mayor-elect to imagery of the 9/11 attack on the city. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the runner-up, also suggested late last month that Mamdani could not be trusted to lead the city if “God forbid, another 9/11” transpired.

Mamdani critics also frequently attacked the then-candidate for his position on Israel and the war in Gaza.