Kathrine Frich
Bowman insists that he’s running his own race.
Bowman insists that he’s running his own race
JD Vance’s journey from a troubled upbringing in Ohio’s Rust Belt to the vice presidency of the United States is one of the most remarkable political ascents in recent American memory.
Now, his name is once again making headlines, not for something in Washington, but in his home state.
His younger half brother, Cory Bowman, has advanced in the race to become mayor of Cincinnati.
While Bowman insists that he’s running his own race, his candidacy draws attention not just because of his policy platform, but because of his connection to one of the most influential conservative figures in the country.
Here are 10 key facts you should know about Cory Bowman, the pastor-turned-political hopeful looking to make his own mark in Ohio politics.
JD Vance’s Half Brother
Cory Bowman is the younger half brother of U.S. Vice President JD Vance. They share the same father but have had very different life paths and careers so far.
That seems to be changing now, as both brothers are in politics.
Running as a Republican in Cincinnati
Bowman is campaigning as the Republican candidate in Cincinnati’s 2025 mayoral election.
He finished second in the city’s primary, securing a spot in the general election this November.
Advanced Despite Receiving Just 13% of the Vote
In Tuesday’s primary, Bowman earned around 13% of the vote, far behind Democratic incumbent Aftab Pureval, who received approximately 83%.
Still, it was enough to beat out fellow Republican Brian Frank and move on to the general election.
Faces Mayor Aftab Pureval
The general election in November will be a head-to-head race between Bowman and the sitting mayor, Aftab Pureval.
He is a Democrat who enjoys strong local support.
Pastor at an Evangelical Church in Cincinnati
Outside politics, Bowman serves as a pastor at a Cincinnati-based evangelical church.
His community involvement and faith leadership are key parts of his campaign identity.
Co-Owns a Local Coffee Shop
In addition to being a pastor, Bowman is a small business owner.
He co-owns a coffee shop in Cincinnati, further rooting his image as a community-oriented candidate.
Inspired by the Trump-Vance Inauguration
Bowman has said that attending the inauguration of Donald Trump and JD Vance inspired him to get more involved in public service.
However, he insists his political path is his own.
Distances Himself from JD Vance
Although he is close with JD Vance, Bowman says his brother is not his political advisor.
“He’s my brother, he’s not a political counsellor to me,” he told the Associated Press.
Focuses on Safety, Corruption, and Immigration
Bowman’s campaign highlights include increasing public safety, tackling what he calls “financial corruption,” and revoking Cincinnati’s sanctuary city status, which protects undocumented immigrants from federal enforcement.
An Uphill Battle in a Democrat-Leaning City
Despite his name recognition, Bowman will face a tough challenge in the general election. Cincinnati hasn’t elected a Republican mayor in more than 50 years, making his candidacy a long shot.