CINCINNATI, Ohio (Diya TV) — Cory Bowman, the half-brother of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, is running for mayor of Cincinnati, launching a surprise challenge against incumbent Aftab Pureval, a Democrat seeking his second term. Bowman’s entry adds a new layer of intrigue to what was shaping up to be a quiet reelection campaign for Pureval, the city’s first Asian American mayor and a rising figure in national Democratic politics.

Bowman, 36, is a political newcomer and relatively new to Cincinnati, having moved to the city around 2020. Despite his short tenure, he says he considers the Queen City home and believes his outsider status is a strength. “I love this city and I want to serve it,” Bowman told the Associated Press, noting that he felt compelled to enter the race after realizing Pureval was initially unopposed. Bowman added that his half-brother’s swearing-in as vice president inspired him to pursue public service.

Born and raised around Hamilton, Ohio, Bowman grew up frequently relocating between Ohio and Florida, following his father Donald Bowman’s home-building work. He earned a degree in economics and business administration from Miami University in Ohio, then studied ministry at River University in Tampa, Florida.

After marrying his wife Jordan, an Oklahoma native, the couple moved to Cincinnati’s West End, where they co-founded The River Church and later launched Kings Arms Coffee, a faith-based café. The Bowmans have three children and are expecting their fourth in June.

Bowman joins Republican Brian Frank, a 66-year-old procurement professional, in challenging Pureval in a three-way nonpartisan primary on May 6. The top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November.

Pureval, 42, was elected mayor in 2021 with nearly two-thirds of the vote, becoming the first Democrat to hold the office in over a century. A former county clerk and federal prosecutor, he has focused on equitable economic development, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and public safety reforms. Under his leadership, Cincinnati has seen a notable decline in violent crime.

“I think it’s fantastic that I’m not running unopposed,” Pureval told the Associated Press, welcoming the challenge as a reflection of the city’s vibrant democratic process.

Bowman’s campaign has faced early scrutiny, particularly over his voting record. Pureval’s campaign pointed out that Bowman did not vote in the 2021 mayoral election. Bowman responded that his upbringing, marked by frequent moves between states, had disrupted his engagement in local politics. “It’s not about the past,” he said. “It’s about where we’re going and how I can help.”

Bowman’s relationship with Vice President Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy, has also drawn attention. The two were largely estranged during childhood, as Vance was adopted and raised apart from their shared father. But they reconnected in adulthood, bonding over their shared Ohio roots, college experiences, and family lives. Despite their close relationship, Bowman says his campaign is independent. The vice president’s office has declined to comment on his half-brother’s run.

While Bowman lacks political experience, his candidacy has already generated buzz, both because of his family connection and his promise to bring a faith- and service-oriented approach to leadership. Still, Pureval remains the race’s frontrunner, buoyed by name recognition, a progressive policy track record, and strong citywide support.

The primary will be a key early test in this increasingly high-profile local contest, with Cincinnati voters set to decide in May which two candidates move on to November’s general election.