Vice President JD Vance gave his brother a shout-out for his mayoral run in Cincinnati, helping him snag enough votes to move forward to the November election. Cory Bowman, 36, is not just a pastor and co-owner of a coffee shop in Cincinnati’s West End, but he’s also Vance’s half-brother. “When it comes to that relationship, I’ve said it over and over, but I’ll repeat it, he’s an amazing role model of mine,” shared Bowman.
Deciding to take on the sitting mayor, Aftab Pureval, was a bold move for Bowman. This past Tuesday, Bowman, Pureval, and another candidate, Brian Frank, vied for the top two slots in the primary. Those two will then face off in the November election.
Vance used social media to give his brother a little extra push. “Hey Cincinnati! My brother Cory Bowman is running for mayor and is on the ballot today for the primary. He’s a good guy with a heart for serving his community. Get out there and vote for him!” Vance tweeted just after lunchtime.
It seems Vance’s endorsement might have made a difference. Pureval led the votes with a whopping 82%, securing 18,505 votes. Bowman, however, managed to clinch second place with 2,894 votes, surpassing Frank, who got 1,022.
Bowman mentioned that seeing his brother rise in politics inspired him to get involved too. “When it comes to that relationship, I’ve said it over and over, but I’ll repeat it, he’s an amazing role model of mine,” Bowman stated, as reported by WCPO. “I look up to him as a big brother.”
Despite his brother’s national focus, Bowman remains committed to local matters. “Our job isn’t to copy and paste what’s going on in the nation. Our job is to say, however the nation’s going, what’s going to be best for the city of Cincinnati?” Bowman stated, according to WVXU.
Bowman highlighted infrastructure issues like potholes and snow removal, along with crime and the city budget, as his primary concerns. “When you see the roads, when you see the infrastructure, when you see our snow plows that are kind of not in perfect position, when you see even like our police cruisers that need to be updated … whether it be for good intention or not, we’re seeing that the priorities haven’t been the streets,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Pureval, elected in 2021, claims Cincinnati has experienced significant improvement under his watch. “This is our moment, and I’m more determined than ever to keep building on the progress we’ve achieved together,” he declared when announcing his run for another term.
Even though Cincinnati’s mayoral and city council races are nonpartisan on paper, the city leans heavily Democratic. All nine city council members elected in 2023 were backed by the Democratic Party. Vance and President Donald Trump comfortably won the state of Ohio in the last election, but the Democrats still dominated Hamilton County, home to Cincinnati.
The general election for Cincinnati is set for Tuesday, November 4. Given the city’s political landscape, it promises to be an interesting contest. The local dynamics could offer unexpected twists, despite the broader state trends.
Cory Bowman, with his grassroots approach, hopes to resonate with Cincinnatians seeking change. His focus on local issues like infrastructure and public safety may appeal to voters who feel overlooked. Bowman’s campaign will need to rally significant support to overcome the Democratic stronghold.
For Pureval, the challenge lies in maintaining the momentum and support he garnered in his first term. His campaign likely hinges on showcasing the improvements made under his leadership. Pureval’s strategy might involve emphasizing continuity and stability in these uncertain times.
The Cincinnati race, while local, reflects broader national divides. It serves as a microcosm of the political tensions seen across the country. Vance’s involvement adds a layer of intrigue, highlighting familial ties and political influence.
Voter turnout will be crucial in determining the race’s outcome. Both candidates will need to engage their bases and appeal to undecided voters. The city’s future direction hinges on this election, a decision resting with its residents.
Bowman’s campaign may benefit from Vance’s national profile, drawing attention to his local platform. However, Pureval’s incumbency provides a built-in advantage. The coming weeks will reveal how these factors play out in the final stretch.
Cincinnati voters face a choice between two distinct paths. Bowman’s grassroots message contrasts with Pureval’s established record. The election will test the city’s appetite for change versus continuity.
As November approaches, both campaigns will likely intensify their efforts. The outcome could have implications beyond the city, reflecting broader political currents. The stakes are high, with both candidates vying for the chance to steer Cincinnati’s future.
The political landscape in Cincinnati offers a unique snapshot of American politics in 2023. With national figures like Vance weighing in, the local race gains additional attention. The election’s result may reverberate beyond Ohio, echoing wider political themes.
