Vivek Ramaswamy, the former GOP presidential hopeful turned Ohio gubernatorial candidate, has pulled in a hefty $9.7 million in donations since jumping into the race four months ago. That’s a serious war chest for someone who only entered the state-level political scene earlier this year after ending his White House bid.

Editor’s Note: Money talks in politics, and Ramaswamy’s fundraising haul signals he’s a contender—or at least someone donors are willing to bet on. Whether this cash translates to voter support in Ohio’s crowded GOP field is the real question. It also hints at his staying power post-presidential campaign, showing he’s not fading from the political spotlight anytime soon.