CINCINNATI, OH (TIP): AAPI Victory Fund, a pro-Democratic Party group that mobilizes voters from the Asian American and Pacific Islanders communities, has endorsed Indian American Aftab Pureval, who is running for the mayor of Cincinnati. Pureval, who is currently serving as Hamilton County (Ohio) Clerk of Courts, announced his candidacy in January. The incumbent mayor, John Cranley, who has been in office for the past eight years, is term-limited and cannot run again. “Pureval is a necessary progressive voice that has been able to achieve success with Democrats and Republicans alike, AAPI Victory Fund said in a statement March 22. “As the son of first generation Americans, he has spent his career defending the most vulnerable in his community, including with the FBI to prosecute crimes against children.” The group also endorsed another Asian American, Michelle Wu, who is running for the mayor of Boston. “It is more important than ever for diverse leadership across local, state and federal governments, and these candidates will bring their unique voices and experiences to lead large metropolitan areas,” the Fund said. “I’m honored to be endorsed by the @AAPIVictoryFund,” Pureval said in a tweet Monday. “Now more than ever, AAPI representation and leadership matters. As Mayor, I’ll lift up all of Cincinnati and make sure we grow equitably.” Puravel, son of Indian-born father and Tibetan refugee mother, was born and raised in southwest Ohio. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science from the Ohio State University and law degree from University of Cincinnati College of Law.
He is the first Democrat to get elected as the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts in more than 100 years. In 2018, he ran for Congress from Ohio’s first district, but failed to unseat incumbent Republican Steve Chabot.
Cincinnati, which boasts three major sports teams, Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and FC Cincinnati, has a population of 300,000. The Cincinnati metropolitan area is home to nearly 2.2 million people.
AAPI Victory Fund, founded by Indian American Shekar Narasimhan, is a so-called SuperPac that works for building political power of the Asian American Pacific Islander community.