'We made history.' Aftab Pureval wins Cincinnati mayoral race after David Mann concedes
Aftab Pureval is Cincinnati's next mayor, nabbing a whopping 66% of the vote.
He defeated longtime Cincinnati politician David Mann, who conceded the race at 10 p.m.
"We made history in Cincinnati," Pureval said to supporters who gathered to celebrate his win.
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He'll be the first Asian-Pacific mayor in the city's history and the only one in the Midwest.
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Pureval's mother and brother were with him during his victory speech at Lucius Q in Pendelton.
Pureval told the crowd of their journey "to a place called Ohio" from New Delhi for a better life.
"What on earth were they thinking?" He said to laughter. "They came to this country to provide a better life for their sons. Because of that incredible decision, our family went from being refugees to mayor of Cincinnati."
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Mann was gracious, tweeting: "Congratulations to Aftab on his well-deserved victory. I have spoken with him and wish him nothing but the best, and it has been the honor of my lifetime to serve this community as a councilman, mayor, and member of congress throughout my career. Thank you, Cincinnati!"
To view live election results, go here.
Aftab Pureval, David Mann campaigned for months in Cincinnati mayoral race
Pureval and Mann are both Democrats, but over the course of the campaign – which involved 31 forums and debates – they offered different visions for the city.
Pureval, 39, of Clifton, is the Hamilton County clerk of courts. He campaigned on the idea that he would bring fresh ideas to City Hall.
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Mann, 81, of Clifton, is a city councilman and former mayor and congressman. He campaigned on being the stead hand to lead Cincinnati out of the pandemic and out of term where three council members were arrested on federal pay to play charges.
Pureval’s campaign raised $961,810; Mann’s $388,307 through Oct. 21.
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Mann showed up to campaign party at Clifton's Upside early. He spent most of the day with his wife, walking around visiting with supporters.
He was unfazed by the early mail-in voting numbers.
Even if he loses the mayor’s race, Mann said he would have two months of service left as a council member and will continue to try to influence public policy as a private citizen.
“I come from a school that says when you retire it all ends, and I’m not retired,” he said.
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Anne Saker and Randy Tucker contributed