Indian-origin Democrat Aftab Pureval has been re-elected as mayor of Cincinnati, defeating JD Vance’s half-brother, Republican challenger Cory Bowman, a pastor and coffee shop co-owner. Pureval’s victory secures him a second term in office, reinforcing his reputation as a progressive leader focused on economic development, sustainability, and inclusivity.

The 43-year-old, who first made history in 2021 as Cincinnati’s first Asian-American mayor, thanked voters for their continued trust.

"I’m humbled, and I’m ready, to continue our work for the next four years," Pureval wrote on X after the win.


Pureval had decisively defeated Bowman in the May open primary, securing over 80% of the vote. As the top two finishers, both candidates advanced to the November general election.

Notably, Republicans have not fielded a mayoral nominee in Cincinnati’s general election for more than a decade, underscoring the city’s long-standing Democratic dominance.

WHO IS AFTAB PUREVAL?

Pureval was born in Ohio to a Punjabi father and a Tibetan refugee mother. His interest in politics began early - he won his first student election in eighth grade with the slogan “Big, Brown, and Beautiful.”

After earning his law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law, Pureval moved to Washington, DC, in 2008, where he worked at a law firm for four years. He later returned to Hamilton County, Ohio, to serve as a special assistant US attorney with the Department of Justice.

In 2013, he joined Procter & Gamble as legal counsel, representing Olay globally, before leaving three years later to embark on his political career.