Cincinnati Mayoral Race Update

In a significant development in Cincinnati’s political landscape, Cory Bowman, the half-brother of Vice President JD Vance, has made a notable entry into the mayoral race. According to projections by the Associated Press, Bowman is set to advance to the general election in November after securing a spot in the top two in the city’s nonpartisan primary.

Primary Election Results

Cory Bowman, an evangelical pastor and local coffee shop owner, entered the race as one of two Republican candidates challenging the current Democratic Mayor, Aftab Pureval. Despite being a political newcomer, Bowman managed to secure approximately 13 percent of the vote, finishing second to Pureval. This result ensures a face-off between Bowman and Pureval in the upcoming November election.

Another Republican contender, Brian Frank, who campaigned with the slogan “Make Cincinnati Great Again,” was projected to finish third, thus not advancing to the general election runoff.

Inspiration and Endorsement

Bowman, inspired by his half-brother Vance’s political ascent to Vice President, decided to throw his hat into the ring. “There was nobody that pushed me into it, nobody that told me that this is a pathway I should go,” Bowman expressed to the Associated Press. His campaign focuses on making a positive impact on the city beyond his pastoral and business endeavors.

1776 Coalition Sponsored Win a Gun

In a strong show of familial support, Vice President Vance endorsed Bowman through a social media post on X, urging Cincinnati residents to support his brother. “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,” Vance posted.

The Challenge Ahead

Despite the support and his initial success, Bowman faces a challenging road ahead in a city that leans heavily Democratic. Mayor Pureval, seeking his second term, has deep roots in the community, previously serving as the Hamilton County clerk of courts. In the most recent presidential election, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris won Hamilton County, which includes Cincinnati, by a significant margin, indicating the Democratic stronghold in the area.

As the general election approaches, Bowman will need to rally significant conservative support to overcome the Democratic majority. His campaign will be a test of the Republican Party’s ability to make inroads in traditionally Democratic urban centers.