Cory Bowman, the half-brother of Vice President JD Vance, has announced his candidacy for mayor of Cincinnati. A pastor, coffee shop owner, and registered Republican, Bowman revealed his intentions in a recent interview with The Cincinnati Enquirer.

This marks a notable shift in Cincinnati's political landscape, as the city has been governed by an all-Democrat council since 2023. The last Republican mayoral candidate was Brad Wenstrup in 2009, who later transitioned to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Eight individuals have filed petitions for the mayoral race, with a deadline of February 20th to secure the necessary 500 signatures for ballot inclusion. Incumbent Mayor Aftab Pureval, a Democrat, has confirmed his re-election bid but is also yet to meet the signature requirement.

The mayoral race is non-partisan, with the top two candidates advancing to a general election. A primary is bypassed if fewer than three candidates qualify.

Bowman shared that he consulted with Vance during his initial considerations, citing his half-brother as both an inspiration and a friendly rival. While acknowledging Vance's own strong communication skills, Bowman expressed admiration for him as a role model.

Bowman, who founded The River Church in Cincinnati's West End neighborhood in 2020, views running for office as a form of community service. He attributes his increased interest in politics to attending the inauguration of President Trump and Vance last month.

Bowman and Vance share the same father, Donald Bowman, who passed away in 2023. Vance, originally named James Donald Bowman, was put up for adoption by his father and later changed his name when his mother remarried. He eventually adopted his grandfather's surname, Vance. Vance has chronicled his family history, including his reconnection with his father and half-siblings, in his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy."

Bowman also owns Kings Arms Coffee in the West End and resides in the College Hill neighborhood. Vance has yet to comment publicly on his half-brother's mayoral campaign.

Bowman's attendance at the Republican National Convention last July, where Vance was announced as Trump's running mate, further fueled his political interest. He noted a surge in new Republicans, suggesting a desire for change within the party.