This combo of images shows incumbent Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, from left, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, River Church Cincinnati pastor Cory Bowman who is Vice President JD Vance's half brother and Cincinnati mayoral candidate, Sunday, April 20, 2025, and Cincinnati mayoral candidate Brian Frank, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo)
Cincinnati is gearing up for a compelling mayoral showdown this November. Current Mayor Aftab Pureval will face newcomer Cory Bowman, the half-brother of U.S. Vice President JD Vance. This match-up follows Tuesday’s nonpartisan primary, where both men emerged as the top two candidates.
Pureval Cruises to Primary Victory
Pureval dominated the three-way primary, leaving Republican Brian Frank far behind in third place. Under Cincinnati’s nonpartisan election rules, only the top two candidates move on to the general election. With over 80% of the votes counted, Pureval was ahead of Bowman by a staggering 70 percentage points.
This massive lead highlights the challenge Bowman faces in trying to unseat the popular Democratic mayor in a city that traditionally leans blue.
A Potential Political Upset?
If Bowman manages to defeat Pureval in November, it would be a significant political surprise. His win would also add him to the growing list of family members of U.S. presidents and vice presidents who have held office.
Notably, Greg Pence, brother of former Vice President Mike Pence, was elected to Congress during Donald Trump’s presidency.
While Bowman has no prior political experience, he said his half-brother’s rise to national office inspired him to run. His campaign is focused on local issues, and he has avoided involvement in broader national politics.
Pureval Looks Ahead with Optimism
Mayor Pureval responded to his primary win with gratitude and determination. “We’ve made meaningful, tangible progress across Cincinnati,” he said in a statement. He emphasized the need for “a substantive and healthy debate of ideas” as the city heads into the fall election.
At 42, Pureval is seen as a rising star in Democratic circles. Before becoming mayor in 2021 with 66% of the vote, he worked as a special assistant U.S. attorney and served as Hamilton County clerk of courts. He also previously ran for Congress.
Bowman, 36, takes a different path. He founded an evangelical church in Cincinnati’s West End and owns a local coffee shop. Despite never holding political office, he says his deep commitment to community service is what drives his campaign.
Support from JD Vance
Vice President JD Vance did not actively campaign for his half-brother but showed support on social media. On Tuesday, Vance posted on X (formerly Twitter), “He’s a good guy with a heart for serving his community. Get out there and vote for him!” Bowman replied warmly, “Love you brother!”
Infrastructure Gets a Boost
- While the mayoral race took center stage, voters also made another significant decision on Tuesday. They overwhelmingly approved State Issue
- This measure will channel $2.5 billion into roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure projects across Ohio over the next 10 years.
What’s Next for Cincinnati?
As the city prepares for the November election, voters will watch closely to see if Bowman can close the wide gap between him and the incumbent. For now, Pureval remains a strong favorite, but with politics often full of surprises, this race is far from over.
Will Cincinnati stick with its current leadership, or is the city ready for a fresh face with a family link to the nation’s capital? The answer will come this fall.
