Cory Bowman, the half-brother of Vice President JD Vance, has secured a spot in Cincinnati’s November mayoral election after placing second in Tuesday’s nonpartisan primary. Bowman, a Republican coffee shop owner and evangelical pastor, received just under 13% of the vote-enough to advance, but far behind incumbent Mayor Aftab Pureval, who dominated with over 80%
The general election will now pit Bowman against Pureval, a Democrat and Cincinnati’s first Asian American mayor, who is seeking a second term. Bowman’s candidacy was inspired by attending his brother’s inauguration, though he has emphasized his own distinct political path
Cincinnati, a heavily Democratic city, hasn’t elected a Republican mayor in over 50 years, making Bowman a long shot. Still, his advance sets up a high-profile contest and adds another chapter to the Vance family’s growing political story. The November race promises a sharp debate over the city’s future as Bowman seeks to defy the odds against a well-established incumbent
