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Though they opened the evening with a handshake, it was clear from the first exchange that the gloves were off at Thursday night’s Cincinnati mayoral debate between Cory Bowman and incumbent Aftab Pureval. Moderated by Kevin Aldridge, the debate covered issues ranging from crime and policing to housing, taxation, and Cincinnati’s long-term economic future.
Crime and Public Safety
The debate began with the question on everyone’s mind: If crime rates are down, why do so many Cincinnatians still feel unsafe?
Bowman, a business owner in the West End and a Clifton Heights resident, said the perception gap stems from misclassification and underreporting. “Some of what’s called property damage is actually gun violence,” he said. “Residents, business owners, and police feel like crime is up.”
Pureval defended his record, claiming public safety remains a top priority for his administration. His comments drew audible groans from parts of the audience. Bowman countered by pointing out that both the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the Firefighters Union have endorsed his campaign, citing a lack of confidence in the mayor’s leadership.
When pressed about the FOP’s vote of no confidence, Pureval replied with a rehearsed line: “I will always support the police. My administration always says yes to CPD.” Bowman shot back that leadership requires proactive solutions, not reactive soundbites, a theme he returned to throughout the night.
Experience vs. Outsider Energy
Pureval questioned Bowman’s lack of political experience. Bowman leaned into it, saying his outsider status is exactly what the city needs. “After four years, it’s obvious you still don’t know what you’re doing,” Bowman quipped, drawing cheers from the audience.
Pureval responded sharply, labeling Bowman as “MAGA,” a comment that drew mixed reactions and signaled the growing tension between the candidates.
Immigration and ICE
The conversation turned to immigration and Cincinnati’s stance as a sanctuary city. Bowman asked Pureval to clarify the city’s cooperation with ICE agents. “Let me educate him,” Pureval said condescendingly before explaining that his administration only cooperates with ICE in cases involving violent offenders. He added that fear of deportation keeps some students from attending school, a statement that veered into broader national issues.
Housing, Development, and Community Voice
Housing policy and the controversial Connected Communities initiative also took center stage. Bowman criticized City Hall for “voting against the community” after residents in Hyde Park opposed a development plan. “A vote isn’t a blank check,” he said, arguing that City Hall should listen more closely to neighborhood voices.
Pureval responded, “We can listen and disagree,” but his tone prompted audible frustration from the audience.
On affordable housing, Bowman said funding isn’t reaching the right places. Pureval insisted his team is “working really hard,” prompting Bowman to name POAH and CMHA as examples of entities involved in questionable practices.
Bowman also pushed for rehabilitating existing housing to create more homeowners rather than renters, noting that the last time housing was truly affordable for all Cincinnatians “was 50 years ago, when we had a Republican mayor.”
Taxes, Jobs, and Growth
When asked about potential new income taxes, Pureval indicated that tax increases could be necessary to sustain city operations. Bowman was quick to criticize, saying, “City Hall is incompetent and shouldn’t need more taxes to run efficiently.”
On jobs, Pureval offered a generic call for “continued growth,” while Bowman detailed his August visit to the New York Stock Exchange, where he said he worked to build partnerships to bring manufacturing and logistics jobs back to Cincinnati.
Rapid-Fire Round
During the lightning round, Pureval was asked if he would commit to serving a full four-year term if re-elected. He said yes, but the question itself underscored public doubts about his future political ambitions.
Bowman was asked what he dislikes about President Trump and deadpanned, “His hair,” drawing laughter.
When asked how he would have handled the Jazz Festival differently, Pureval said he would have “sent out a press release sooner.” Bowman fired back, “You left people in the dark.”
Bowman also addressed not voting in the last mayoral election: “Seventy-three percent of voters didn’t show up. Probably for the same reason I didn’t, there was no one on the ticket who represented them.”
Closing Remarks
In their closing statements, the contrast between the candidates was stark. Bowman used his time to uplift voters, focusing on community ownership and accountability. Pureval spent his final minutes defending his record and emphasizing his experience, though at times, it came across as condescension toward critics.
From beginning to end, the tone of the evening suggested a city divided not just by policy but by trust. Bowman presented himself as the voice of frustrated residents; Pureval as the status quo, if a polarizing and overconfident incumbent, though much of that confidence felt more like bravado than conviction, as he appeared shaken and defensive through much of the Cincinnati mayoral debate.
The Cincinnati mayoral race, it seems, is shaping up to be anything but predictable.
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