It's a massive celebration that raises thousands for Mahoning County's Republican Party.

The Lincoln Day Dinner welcomes a keynote speaker each year and Former Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy made a stop in the Valley. The businessman is also making a run for Governor and 21 News spoke with him on the key components of his campaign and how he plans to earn Ohio's vote.  

"I think Vivek's economic policies will bring will be a great first step of bringing young people here," said Tex Fischer, State Rep. (R-59). "The economic benefit of his policies: bringing new manufacturing and bringing new industries to the valley, we have opportunities to grow beyond that."

Ramaswamy plans to end state income tax if elected Governor. "It won't be immediate but we need to bring down the income tax eventually down to zero because Ohioans deserve to keep what they earn. We have a population decline in Ohio because of this and this is a #1 problem."

In a room filled with Republican donors and elected officials, Ramaswamy spoke on his vision for the state, which includes growing businesses, raising children, and promoting education.

"I know he wanted to get to the Mahoning Valley because it's become such an important Republican county over the last 6-8 years," explained Tom McCabe, Director of the Mahoning Co. Board of Elections and Chairman of the Mahoning Co. Republican Party.

But with the current Ohio budget threatening cuts to public education 21 News pressed the Cincinnati native on his stance.

"I care about effectiveness," he said. "So, I'm less concerned about the question of how much are we spending and more concerned with how our money is being spent. It turns out that a majority of our public school dollars aren't even going to classroom instruction. Think about that. Our public school teachers deserve to be paid more, certainly the best of them but it's got to be done in a way that is rational, meritocratic, not going to overhead, not going to bureaucracy. Let's put that money in the pockets of teachers and principals who are performing for our students."

Ramaswamy wants Ohio to become a State of Excellence but how can he attract moderate Republicans and left-winged voters?

"If you want to make Ohio the cradle of the American dream in our country, I'm going to work with you," he said. "You have a seat at the table in this movement and we're going to work together to lead our state to the next level for every Ohioan. I have a clear message to every Ohioan, whether you're Republican or not. If you are about educational achievement for your kids and care about giving your kids the same shot at the American dream that this state and this country gave to me then we are on the same page."

While speaking to a room of 700 conservatives Ramaswamy also expanded on eliminating income tax, shrinking property taxes, electricity supply shortages, and his confidence he can come out on top in the race for Governor.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and former Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton are also in the running for Governor.