Aftab Pureval, running for Cincinnati mayor, gets major endorsement

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The former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper, endorsed Aftab Pureval for Mayor of Cincinnati June 23, 2021.

Pepper joined Pureval at a virtual town hall where they heard from voters on Cincinnati’s future, affordable housing and civic engagement, according to a press release from Pureval’s campaign.

Pureval and Cincinnati Councilman and former mayor David Mann were the top two vote-getters in the open non-partisan primary held May 4, 2021, in which six candidates competed. Current Mayor John Cranley cannot run for a third term because of term limits.

Pureval garnered the most number of votes in the six-way primaries.

The primaries and the general election of Nov. 2, are being fought in the backdrop of incidents of corruption in which three city council members were arrested on felony charges in 2020, notes Ballotpedia.

“I’m thrilled and excited to endorse Aftab’s candidacy for mayor of Cincinnati,” David Pepper is quoted saying at the event, in the press release.

“Aftab has shown the ability to inspire, to bring new people to the fold, to show what public service means, and to get things done in office. He knows how to lead this city forward and has what it takes to become a phenomenal mayor. I’m excited to be a part of his team.”

Pureval, who is of Indian and Tibetan descent, is the first Democrat elected as the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in more than 100 years.

“From the beginning of my career in public service, David Pepper has been a huge supporter of mine,” Pureval said. “And not just me but Democrats around the state. I’m honored to have him as a mentor and to have his endorsement.”

Pureval was also endorsed by former Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory.

During his campaign, Pureval has put forward an agenda that promises rebuilding the city’s economy. “I’m running for Mayor to lift up all of Cincinnati – to rebuild our economy to make sure prosp0erity is shared in every corner of our city, reform our police department and invest in public safety so every neighborhood is safe, and create more affordable housing,” he says on is ‘Issues’ list on the campaign website.

“This starts on day one by cutting red tape, providing navigators to help small businesses and working to leverage city dollars to support a diverse and talented pipeline of entrepreneurs,” Pureval adds.

Prior to getting into public office, Pureval worked at Procter & Gamble.

He has a law degree from the University of Cincinnati.

Pureval has been awarded the NAACP Theodore Berry Award for Service and has been recognized by the Business Courier as one of their 40 under 40.

Born and brought up in Southwest Ohio, Pureval lives in Clifton with his wife Whitney, a doctor who treats COVID patients, and their one year old son Bodhi.