The race for Cincinnati’s mayor is officially underway. Incumbent Aftab Pureval will face newcomer Cory Bowman in the general election this November. This follows Tuesday’s nonpartisan primary, as projected by the Associated Press.
Pureval, Cincinnati’s mayor since 2021, advanced easily by securing the most votes. Bowman closely followed, earning the second spot on the ballot. Republican candidate Brian Frank placed third and will not move on.
This is Pureval’s second bid for the mayor’s office. In 2021, he decisively beat former mayor David Mann, getting nearly 66% of the votes. He became Cincinnati’s first Asian American mayor. 
Earlier this year, Pureval announced his re-election campaign. He said running again was “one of the easiest” decisions he’s made. During his first term, he focused on infrastructure, economic growth, and public safety. “This is our moment. I’m more determined than ever to keep building on our progress,” he said.
Bowman, 36, is the founder of The River Church in the West End and co-owner of Kings Arms Coffee. He became interested in politics after seeing his half-brother, Vice President JD Vance, take office. This moment inspired him to enter public service.
His campaign aims to improve city infrastructure, manage finances wisely, and boost public safety. “Before the primary, Bowman said, ‘Our roads, old snow plows, and worn police cars show our priorities aren’t on the streets.'”
Vance endorsed Bowman. He asked Cincinnati voters to support him on social media. “He’s a good guy with a heart for serving his community,” Vance wrote.
Bowman expressed gratitude for the support, saying he texted Vance to thank him. “He’s an amazing role model of mine. I look up to him as a big brother,” Bowman said.
Cincinnati voters face a choice: Pureval’s seasoned leadership or Bowman’s new ideas. The general election is set for Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
