CINCINNATI - Aftab Pureval will become Cincinnati's new mayor after David Mann conceded the race at 10 p.m. on election night.
In becoming mayor, Pureval has made history as the first candidate of Asian descent to be elected mayor in Cincinnati’s history.
"Cincinnati is a place where no matter what you look like, where are you from, or how much money you have, if you come here and work hard you can achieve your dreams. Tonight I achieved mine. Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity," He said.
Pureval will be replacing John Cranley, who has held the position for the last eight years and is now running for Ohio governor. Pureval said he is up for the challenge of helping Cincinnati recover from the pandemic. He thanked the voters for believing in him.
"We spent the last year talking about our bold progressive vision for moving Cincinnati forward," Pureval said. "Our comprehensive plans for public safety, affordable housing, the environment and economic recovery with racial equity at the center of the frame and the voters of Cincinnati resoundingly supported that vision."
Pureval previously said this new wave of leaders that will be coming on will be crucial for Cincinnati’s future following several corruption scandals that hit city council.
“We’ve got a new mayor, a new council, a new police chief, (and) a new chief of fire," he said. “We’ve got a chance to turn the page on this ugly chapter and push our city forward.”
In May, Pureval received the most votes of any candidate in the nonpartisan primary. He feels he’s the right fit for the job because it’s something he’s been building toward for most of his life.
“For most of my career, I’ve been a public servant,” Pureval said. “Trying to improve my community, trying to lift up those around me. I really view the position as mayor as the best opportunity I will have to really improve our community. We need to all be in this together in order to push Cincinnati forward.”
Pureval has served as the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts since being elected in 2016. He is the first Democrat elected to that office in more than 100 years.
Pureval is a native of Beavercreek, Ohio, and is the son of first-generation Americans. He attended The Ohio State University for his undergrad, where he was student body president. He then graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
Pureval lives in Clifton with his wife, Whitney, who is a doctor that treats COVID patients. They have a 2-year-old son, Bodhi.