Senator Moreno Challenges Democratic Mayors to "Take Back" Ohio Cities

U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) has issued a direct challenge to Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, both Democrats, stating, "Take note @AftabPureval and @JustinMBibb. Let’s take back our great Ohio cities!" The tweet from the newly elected senator signals a heightened political focus on urban governance in a state that has increasingly leaned Republican.

Moreno's statement follows a period of significant public discourse, particularly concerning a recent street brawl in downtown Cincinnati. In the aftermath of the incident, Senator Moreno publicly called for Mayor Pureval's resignation and suggested the possibility of withholding federal funds from the city, linking the unrest to the city's leadership. This stance underscores a broader Republican narrative that attributes urban challenges, including crime, to Democratic policies.

Mayor Aftab Pureval, a rising figure in the Democratic Party, has been serving Cincinnati since 2022. His administration has prioritized equitable economic growth, affordable housing initiatives, and comprehensive public safety reforms, including sending unarmed mental health professionals to certain non-violent 911 calls. Pureval has actively pushed back against characterizations of Cincinnati as unsafe, engaging in discussions with state and federal officials to address crime and secure resources.

Similarly, Mayor Justin Bibb, Cleveland's 58th mayor, has focused on modernizing city services, expanding affordable housing, and implementing public safety initiatives like the RISE program, which has seen a reported 36% reduction in homicides. Mayor Bibb, who also serves as president of the Democratic Mayors Association, has expressed a pragmatic approach, indicating a willingness to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration on issues beneficial to Cleveland, while emphasizing the need for results over partisan bickering.

The exchange highlights the growing tension between Ohio's predominantly Republican state and federal leadership and the Democratic-led urban centers. Senator Moreno, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, secured his Senate seat in 2024, reflecting Ohio's shift from a swing state to a reliably red one. This political alignment sets the stage for ongoing debates over issues such as public safety, economic development, and federal support for Ohio's major cities.