Vance’s Brother Loses Election
Cincinnati’s Democrat Mayor Aftab Pureval has officially won re-election, defeating Cory Bowman, a pastor, small-business owner, and the half-brother of Vice President JD Vance, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Pureval, who entered office in 2021 after unseating former Mayor David Mann, once again drew strong support from Cincinnati’s reliably liberal electorate and a network of progressive donors. Though the contest was officially labeled “nonpartisan,” voters’ party preferences were unmistakable — and Pureval’s Democratic backing ultimately carried him to victory.
During the city’s May open primary, Pureval crushed Bowman with more than 80% of the vote, leaving little doubt about the outcome heading into November’s general election. Still, Bowman’s message of faith, family, and freedom struck a chord with many residents tired of rising crime, higher taxes, and liberal overreach.
Republicans haven’t had a candidate on Cincinnati’s general election ballot for mayor in more than a decade — a telling sign of how far the city has drifted left even as the rest of Ohio grows redder under President Trump’s leadership.
Bowman’s campaign was about more than politics. As a pastor and coffee shop owner, he offered a message rooted in personal responsibility, community values, and common sense — ideals that once defined America’s heartland before big-city politics took over. His connection to Vice President JD Vance gave his campaign national attention, with conservatives praising his courage for taking on a system that’s long been stacked against them.
While Mayor Pureval celebrates another four years in power, many conservatives see this election as a wake-up call. Cincinnati, once a symbol of Midwestern grit and independence, has become a testing ground for progressive policies — policies that have too often led to higher crime rates, urban decay, and economic stagnation.
But Bowman’s strong grassroots campaign showed that the conservative message still resonates, even in America’s bluest corners. As Vice President Vance continues to rise on the national stage, many believe it’s only a matter of time before the heartland — including its cities — remembers the values that made it great.
