JD Vance's Younger Sibling Ventures into Politics, Meeting Challenges Along the Way.
Cory Bowman has expressed his desire to become the mayor of Cincinnati. However, it seems he may have additional intentions at play.
TroibNews 
CINCINNATI — At the end of a long table adorned with yellow cloth, a microphone and an empty chair awaited the arrival of Cory Bowman, Vice President JD Vance’s half-brother. If Bowman had attended, it would have marked one of his few significant appearances leading up to the first election of his emerging political career: Cincinnati mayor.
The scene unfolded during a community center debate hosted by the local NAACP on a Tuesday night in April, just weeks before the May 6 mayoral primary. Bowman, a local evangelical pastor and coffee shop owner, was notably absent. He had recently returned from Fort Lauderdale, where he had taken a photo with conservative podcaster Patrick Bet-David, who boasts over 5 million Instagram followers. “Big things ahead!” Bowman remarked the day before the debate.
In the aftermath of the debate, Bowman's absence dominated conversations. “He told us he had a scheduling conflict, so that’s all I can go with. Everybody has something else to do,” commented David Whitehead, president of the local NAACP chapter. “In my opinion, you do what you feel is important.”
Some critics in Cincinnati suggest that Bowman is more focused on leveraging his mayoral bid—amplified by his brother's political prominence—to enhance his national profile than on genuinely governing the city. “You know the phrase impulse shopping? This is impulse campaigning,” noted University of Cincinnati political scientist David Niven. “As a Republican in Ohio, if he’d run for almost anything else, he’d be a potent candidate, but not as mayor of Cincinnati. I do think this could be another win by losing scenario.”
“If I wanted to simply run for office based on impulse or a future political career, then I would’ve definitely chosen an easier race,” Bowman stated when asked about that notion.
Whether his intentions in pursuing a political career are genuine remains uncertain. Attendees at the event that night could only confirm one point: he wasn’t present.
Local podcaster Kevin Farmer, who recently registered as a Republican, speculated on the strategic nature of Bowman’s absence. “The NAACP Cincinnati Chapter is pretty much already rigged for the incumbent,” Farmer asserted, suggesting that Bowman needed to “knock on doors instead of talking to people who have already made up in their minds.”
In the run-up to the primary, Bowman admitted to only having completed two rounds of door-knocking. When I reached him by phone at his Kings Arms Coffee Shop in the West End, he acknowledged that his fundraising efforts were progressing slowly. “We actually haven’t even started fundraising,” he explained. “This is my first go-around.”
Later that week, Bowman appeared on Newsmax for an interview with former Fox News personality Ed Henry, an unusual platform for a mayoral campaign in a city where a Republican hasn't held the mayor's office in 54 years. “You’re a pastor, and a coffee shop owner, as I understand it, and I see you got the beard, so now you also want to join him in politics,” Henry began. “What do you think you bring to the table to be mayor?”
"Outside of a great beard, we have a love for our city,” Bowman replied with a smile. In subsequent days, various outlets, including the Washington Examiner and Real America’s Voice, spotlighted his campaign, identifying him as the “brother of JD Vance” eager to address issues such as accountability on spending, crime, and infrastructure.
A Republican familiar with local dynamics indicated that Bowman could potentially emerge from a three-way primary, alongside incumbent Mayor Aftab Pureval, before facing voters in the November general election. However, they emphasized the challenges ahead: “NO chance the Republican wins in the city limits,” the source texted.
This situation raises questions about Bowman’s true objectives.
Bowman's bid for office follows a familiar trend in American politics where individuals capitalize on family connections. There are many political dynasties, but history is also replete with examples of relatives trying and failing to ride on their kin's coattails. Jonathan Alter, a journalist and author, pointed out several notable family examples, including Roger Clinton, Joe Biden's brother Jim, and Billy Carter, who famously attempted to leverage his brother Jimmy's presidency but ultimately faced ridicule.
“It doesn’t always work,” Alter noted. “If I had to predict, I don’t think this guy is going to make it.”
Up to now, no one, including Bowman’s opponents, has suggested wrongdoing or personal gain from his fragmented campaign. Still, Bowman is modeling his political ambitions on the success of his brother. Born in 1988, he comes from a family with a complex history. His father, Don Bowman, had a prior marriage with Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, before marrying Cory's mother, Cheryl. Vance was given up for adoption at the age of six, and Bowman later embraced Pentecostal Christianity.
While Vance went on to Yale and military service, Bowman earned a business degree from Miami University in Ohio and later attended a small divinity school, eventually settling in Cincinnati to open a church and coffee shop. Bowman encourages his church members in the predominantly Black West End to engage in spirited prayer, crafting a vision for a sizable congregation.
Although Vance and Bowman’s interactions have become less frequent, they still maintain a familial bond, particularly after their father’s passing 18 months ago. Reflecting on their relationship, Bowman noted, “It was in those final days of my father’s life that I feel we were like all the closest.”
Bowman described his decision to run for mayor as a moment of inspiration following Vance's inauguration. “I was just really inspired, because I look up to my brother not just as a political model but as a role model. I … saw that we had about three weeks to gather signatures to be on the ballot to run for mayor, and so we stepped forward, and it’s been accelerating ever since.”
To enter the ballot, Bowman needed 500 signatures, which he quickly gathered, aided by his church community. He previously faced scrutiny for his lack of voting history in local elections, stating that he had been unaware of their schedules.
His last notable political appearance before his campaign was at the Republican National Convention, where he shared a moment with the Vance family and expressed support for Donald Trump. So far, Vance has kept his distance from Bowman’s campaign, but when asked if he would campaign for him, Bowman replied, “There’s no telling what could happen over the course of the year. Right now, I tell people that my focus is on the city of Cincinnati.”
Presently, Bowman’s campaign remains in its infancy. He has a small group of volunteers and recently reported raising around $13,500, considerably more than fellow Republican Brian Frank. In contrast, Incumbent Mayor Pureval has raised about $71,000, despite claiming to have done minimal fundraising.
Bowman’s platform is a blend of local and national concerns, touching on topics like “financial corruption” without specific examples, opposition to Cincinnati becoming a “sanctuary city,” and a focus on ensuring the safety of children from violence and exploitation.
His critiques of Pureval often reflect his belief that priorities have been misplaced in recent years. When discussing community issues, he pointed out potholes and inefficiencies without engaging directly with partisan labels.
When asked about self-identifying as a MAGA Republican, he responded, “Whenever I have conversations with people in the city, we don’t start it as ‘You’re red, I’m blue’ type of thing. It’s more like, ‘This is my experience.’”
While his responses may come off as vague, others speculate that his campaign prioritizes profile-raising over a serious ambition to win. Niven expressed, “This is campaigning as an entertainment endeavor, not campaigning to win a race as mayor.”
Bowman claimed his Florida visit with Bet-David was more about networking than politics. Yet as the May 6 primary approached, he offered to let me join him in door-to-door campaigning alongside Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose—an indication that his campaign is beginning to gain momentum.
On a Wednesday afternoon, he gathered a dozen volunteers in a Starbucks parking lot before embarking on his door-knocking efforts. When I asked LaRose about the potential influence of Vance’s presence in the city, he refrained from using the term “coattails,” but expressed pride in his brother.
Bowman and LaRose spent about an hour knocking on doors, leaving campaign literature and discussing various local issues. Their efforts were met with some indifference, and Bowman emphasized the importance of avoiding national issues in local races. After roughly an hour, during which he managed to connect with just two voters, the half-brother of the vice president concluded his day of campaigning.As the May 6 primary looms closer, the urgency for Bowman to solidify his campaign becomes even more apparent. With only a handful of key volunteers and limited resources, he faces a daunting challenge against more established political players like Pureval, who already enjoys significant name recognition and a robust fundraising operation.
Bowman's strategy, while focusing on local issues like infrastructure and community safety, often feels less defined compared to his Democratic opponent’s more progressive platform. For local voters, that ambiguity could be problematic, especially in a city where Democratic leadership has been predominant for decades. As he navigates the election landscape, door-to-door canvassing is essential for connecting with potential supporters and understanding their concerns, yet as evidenced in the first week of May, his outreach so far has been relatively minimal.
In the days leading up to the primary, Bowman attempted to ramp up his visibility. He engaged in various local media appearances, striving to establish a connection with the electorate beyond his familial ties to Vance. “Connecting with voters is crucial, and the best way to understand their needs is by being in the community,” he reaffirmed during one of his canvassing efforts.
The day after his excursion with LaRose, Bowman opted for a different approach—hosting a community event at his coffee shop, aiming to bring together local residents for casual conversation about his candidacy. “It’s important to create a space where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns about our city,” he explained.
The event drew a modest crowd, a mix of curious locals and regular patrons of Kings Arms Coffee Shop. As he chatted with constituents, he emphasized his intentions to be a mayor who listens and engages with every neighborhood. “My goal is to ensure that every voice is heard, whether you're from the West End, Northside, or Downtown,” he said.
Despite these efforts, skepticism persists among some voters about his motivations and qualifications. Many wonder if Bowman can resonate with a diverse electorate. “His connection to JD Vance is his biggest asset, but also his biggest challenge,” remarked Mia Stewart, a political analyst familiar with Ohio’s political climate. “Some will view him as a legitimate candidate, while others might see him as simply riding on the coattails of his brother’s fame.”
As the primary nears, political observers are watching closely. Should he successfully advance past the primary, Bowman would then have to sharpen his messaging to engage a broader cross-section of Cincinnati’s voting population. His campaign will need to transcend familial connections and articulate a clear and compelling vision for the city.
Bowman also faces challenges in solidifying his platform as distinct from Pureval’s agenda. During debates and speeches, his criticisms of “financial mismanagement” will require tangible examples that resonate with voters experiencing the everyday ramifications of local government decisions. Without a focused and actionable plan, he risks alienating undecided voters who seek comprehensive solutions rather than general commentary.
As election day approaches, it remains to be seen how effectively Bowman can rally support and overcome the obstacles that lie before him. With only a few days left to gather momentum, he will need to capitalize on every opportunity to make a lasting impression. Participating in community forums, connecting substantively with key stakeholders, and addressing critical local issues will be crucial for his campaign's viability.
Meanwhile, his connection with Vance could still serve as a double-edged sword. If utilized wisely, it can be a launchpad; if mismanaged, it could lead to claims of opportunism or a lack of authentic connection to the community. “It’s a fine line,” advised political strategist Lena Tran. “Family ties can boost recognition, but the candidate’s own authenticity and credibility in the eyes of the electorate ultimately determine success.”
With the primary set to test his mettle, Bowman faces not only the challenge of distinguishing himself from opposing candidates but also the greater task of defining who he is as a politician and what he stands for.
As the clock ticks down, Bowman remains optimistic, reiterating his commitment to his campaign and the people of Cincinnati. “Every conversation, every interaction matters,” he said. “I’m focused on making an impact, not just as JD Vance’s brother but as a dedicated advocate for our community.”
His journey from a local pastor and coffee shop owner to a political candidate is unfolding, full of potential yet fraught with unknowns. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the question remains: will they see Cory Bowman as a viable mayoral candidate, or merely a footnote in a political story shaped by his brother's legacy?
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
The scene unfolded during a community center debate hosted by the local NAACP on a Tuesday night in April, just weeks before the May 6 mayoral primary. Bowman, a local evangelical pastor and coffee shop owner, was notably absent. He had recently returned from Fort Lauderdale, where he had taken a photo with conservative podcaster Patrick Bet-David, who boasts over 5 million Instagram followers. “Big things ahead!” Bowman remarked the day before the debate.
In the aftermath of the debate, Bowman's absence dominated conversations. “He told us he had a scheduling conflict, so that’s all I can go with. Everybody has something else to do,” commented David Whitehead, president of the local NAACP chapter. “In my opinion, you do what you feel is important.”
Some critics in Cincinnati suggest that Bowman is more focused on leveraging his mayoral bid—amplified by his brother's political prominence—to enhance his national profile than on genuinely governing the city. “You know the phrase impulse shopping? This is impulse campaigning,” noted University of Cincinnati political scientist David Niven. “As a Republican in Ohio, if he’d run for almost anything else, he’d be a potent candidate, but not as mayor of Cincinnati. I do think this could be another win by losing scenario.”
“If I wanted to simply run for office based on impulse or a future political career, then I would’ve definitely chosen an easier race,” Bowman stated when asked about that notion.
Whether his intentions in pursuing a political career are genuine remains uncertain. Attendees at the event that night could only confirm one point: he wasn’t present.
Local podcaster Kevin Farmer, who recently registered as a Republican, speculated on the strategic nature of Bowman’s absence. “The NAACP Cincinnati Chapter is pretty much already rigged for the incumbent,” Farmer asserted, suggesting that Bowman needed to “knock on doors instead of talking to people who have already made up in their minds.”
In the run-up to the primary, Bowman admitted to only having completed two rounds of door-knocking. When I reached him by phone at his Kings Arms Coffee Shop in the West End, he acknowledged that his fundraising efforts were progressing slowly. “We actually haven’t even started fundraising,” he explained. “This is my first go-around.”
Later that week, Bowman appeared on Newsmax for an interview with former Fox News personality Ed Henry, an unusual platform for a mayoral campaign in a city where a Republican hasn't held the mayor's office in 54 years. “You’re a pastor, and a coffee shop owner, as I understand it, and I see you got the beard, so now you also want to join him in politics,” Henry began. “What do you think you bring to the table to be mayor?”
"Outside of a great beard, we have a love for our city,” Bowman replied with a smile. In subsequent days, various outlets, including the Washington Examiner and Real America’s Voice, spotlighted his campaign, identifying him as the “brother of JD Vance” eager to address issues such as accountability on spending, crime, and infrastructure.
A Republican familiar with local dynamics indicated that Bowman could potentially emerge from a three-way primary, alongside incumbent Mayor Aftab Pureval, before facing voters in the November general election. However, they emphasized the challenges ahead: “NO chance the Republican wins in the city limits,” the source texted.
This situation raises questions about Bowman’s true objectives.
Bowman's bid for office follows a familiar trend in American politics where individuals capitalize on family connections. There are many political dynasties, but history is also replete with examples of relatives trying and failing to ride on their kin's coattails. Jonathan Alter, a journalist and author, pointed out several notable family examples, including Roger Clinton, Joe Biden's brother Jim, and Billy Carter, who famously attempted to leverage his brother Jimmy's presidency but ultimately faced ridicule.
“It doesn’t always work,” Alter noted. “If I had to predict, I don’t think this guy is going to make it.”
Up to now, no one, including Bowman’s opponents, has suggested wrongdoing or personal gain from his fragmented campaign. Still, Bowman is modeling his political ambitions on the success of his brother. Born in 1988, he comes from a family with a complex history. His father, Don Bowman, had a prior marriage with Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, before marrying Cory's mother, Cheryl. Vance was given up for adoption at the age of six, and Bowman later embraced Pentecostal Christianity.
While Vance went on to Yale and military service, Bowman earned a business degree from Miami University in Ohio and later attended a small divinity school, eventually settling in Cincinnati to open a church and coffee shop. Bowman encourages his church members in the predominantly Black West End to engage in spirited prayer, crafting a vision for a sizable congregation.
Although Vance and Bowman’s interactions have become less frequent, they still maintain a familial bond, particularly after their father’s passing 18 months ago. Reflecting on their relationship, Bowman noted, “It was in those final days of my father’s life that I feel we were like all the closest.”
Bowman described his decision to run for mayor as a moment of inspiration following Vance's inauguration. “I was just really inspired, because I look up to my brother not just as a political model but as a role model. I … saw that we had about three weeks to gather signatures to be on the ballot to run for mayor, and so we stepped forward, and it’s been accelerating ever since.”
To enter the ballot, Bowman needed 500 signatures, which he quickly gathered, aided by his church community. He previously faced scrutiny for his lack of voting history in local elections, stating that he had been unaware of their schedules.
His last notable political appearance before his campaign was at the Republican National Convention, where he shared a moment with the Vance family and expressed support for Donald Trump. So far, Vance has kept his distance from Bowman’s campaign, but when asked if he would campaign for him, Bowman replied, “There’s no telling what could happen over the course of the year. Right now, I tell people that my focus is on the city of Cincinnati.”
Presently, Bowman’s campaign remains in its infancy. He has a small group of volunteers and recently reported raising around $13,500, considerably more than fellow Republican Brian Frank. In contrast, Incumbent Mayor Pureval has raised about $71,000, despite claiming to have done minimal fundraising.
Bowman’s platform is a blend of local and national concerns, touching on topics like “financial corruption” without specific examples, opposition to Cincinnati becoming a “sanctuary city,” and a focus on ensuring the safety of children from violence and exploitation.
His critiques of Pureval often reflect his belief that priorities have been misplaced in recent years. When discussing community issues, he pointed out potholes and inefficiencies without engaging directly with partisan labels.
When asked about self-identifying as a MAGA Republican, he responded, “Whenever I have conversations with people in the city, we don’t start it as ‘You’re red, I’m blue’ type of thing. It’s more like, ‘This is my experience.’”
While his responses may come off as vague, others speculate that his campaign prioritizes profile-raising over a serious ambition to win. Niven expressed, “This is campaigning as an entertainment endeavor, not campaigning to win a race as mayor.”
Bowman claimed his Florida visit with Bet-David was more about networking than politics. Yet as the May 6 primary approached, he offered to let me join him in door-to-door campaigning alongside Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose—an indication that his campaign is beginning to gain momentum.
On a Wednesday afternoon, he gathered a dozen volunteers in a Starbucks parking lot before embarking on his door-knocking efforts. When I asked LaRose about the potential influence of Vance’s presence in the city, he refrained from using the term “coattails,” but expressed pride in his brother.
Bowman and LaRose spent about an hour knocking on doors, leaving campaign literature and discussing various local issues. Their efforts were met with some indifference, and Bowman emphasized the importance of avoiding national issues in local races. After roughly an hour, during which he managed to connect with just two voters, the half-brother of the vice president concluded his day of campaigning.As the May 6 primary looms closer, the urgency for Bowman to solidify his campaign becomes even more apparent. With only a handful of key volunteers and limited resources, he faces a daunting challenge against more established political players like Pureval, who already enjoys significant name recognition and a robust fundraising operation.
Bowman's strategy, while focusing on local issues like infrastructure and community safety, often feels less defined compared to his Democratic opponent’s more progressive platform. For local voters, that ambiguity could be problematic, especially in a city where Democratic leadership has been predominant for decades. As he navigates the election landscape, door-to-door canvassing is essential for connecting with potential supporters and understanding their concerns, yet as evidenced in the first week of May, his outreach so far has been relatively minimal.
In the days leading up to the primary, Bowman attempted to ramp up his visibility. He engaged in various local media appearances, striving to establish a connection with the electorate beyond his familial ties to Vance. “Connecting with voters is crucial, and the best way to understand their needs is by being in the community,” he reaffirmed during one of his canvassing efforts.
The day after his excursion with LaRose, Bowman opted for a different approach—hosting a community event at his coffee shop, aiming to bring together local residents for casual conversation about his candidacy. “It’s important to create a space where people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns about our city,” he explained.
The event drew a modest crowd, a mix of curious locals and regular patrons of Kings Arms Coffee Shop. As he chatted with constituents, he emphasized his intentions to be a mayor who listens and engages with every neighborhood. “My goal is to ensure that every voice is heard, whether you're from the West End, Northside, or Downtown,” he said.
Despite these efforts, skepticism persists among some voters about his motivations and qualifications. Many wonder if Bowman can resonate with a diverse electorate. “His connection to JD Vance is his biggest asset, but also his biggest challenge,” remarked Mia Stewart, a political analyst familiar with Ohio’s political climate. “Some will view him as a legitimate candidate, while others might see him as simply riding on the coattails of his brother’s fame.”
As the primary nears, political observers are watching closely. Should he successfully advance past the primary, Bowman would then have to sharpen his messaging to engage a broader cross-section of Cincinnati’s voting population. His campaign will need to transcend familial connections and articulate a clear and compelling vision for the city.
Bowman also faces challenges in solidifying his platform as distinct from Pureval’s agenda. During debates and speeches, his criticisms of “financial mismanagement” will require tangible examples that resonate with voters experiencing the everyday ramifications of local government decisions. Without a focused and actionable plan, he risks alienating undecided voters who seek comprehensive solutions rather than general commentary.
As election day approaches, it remains to be seen how effectively Bowman can rally support and overcome the obstacles that lie before him. With only a few days left to gather momentum, he will need to capitalize on every opportunity to make a lasting impression. Participating in community forums, connecting substantively with key stakeholders, and addressing critical local issues will be crucial for his campaign's viability.
Meanwhile, his connection with Vance could still serve as a double-edged sword. If utilized wisely, it can be a launchpad; if mismanaged, it could lead to claims of opportunism or a lack of authentic connection to the community. “It’s a fine line,” advised political strategist Lena Tran. “Family ties can boost recognition, but the candidate’s own authenticity and credibility in the eyes of the electorate ultimately determine success.”
With the primary set to test his mettle, Bowman faces not only the challenge of distinguishing himself from opposing candidates but also the greater task of defining who he is as a politician and what he stands for.
As the clock ticks down, Bowman remains optimistic, reiterating his commitment to his campaign and the people of Cincinnati. “Every conversation, every interaction matters,” he said. “I’m focused on making an impact, not just as JD Vance’s brother but as a dedicated advocate for our community.”
His journey from a local pastor and coffee shop owner to a political candidate is unfolding, full of potential yet fraught with unknowns. As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the question remains: will they see Cory Bowman as a viable mayoral candidate, or merely a footnote in a political story shaped by his brother's legacy?
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
