Cincinnati's first Asian American Mayor Aftab Pureval to speak at DNC

Cincinnati's first Asian American mayor, Aftab Pureval, is scheduled to speak at the Democratic National Convention.

To anyone following the presidential election, it isn't a surprise. Pureval has been all-in for Vice President Kamala Harris since she was announced as the Democrat presidential candidate in early August, replacing President Joe Biden after he dropped out of the race.

When will Aftab Pureval speak the convention?

That's a secret for now, but don't expect him to nab a prime-time spot. He's popular and his national presence is growing, but viewers outside of Greater Cincinnati and Ohio likely don't know him yet. Outside the most prominent speakers, the line-up isn't announced until the day of.

For Democrats, Pureval has a good story to tell about Cincinnati. In the last city election, voters elected all Democrats to the city council and the mayor's office for the first time.

Pureval declined to comment about when he'll speak or what he'll talk about.

What Pureval told Ohio Democrats

Pureval on Monday morning gave a speech to Ohio Democrats that heralded the historic nature of Harris' nomination and potential presidency. He spoke of the discrimination Asians have faced in the country.

"I'm talking about the building of railroads, the Japanese internment camps," Pureval said Monday. "I'm talking about the Muslim ban, the increase in Asian hate crimes across this country since the pandemic."

Pureval spoke about what Harris' candidacy would mean for his parents, who emigrated from India and Tibet.

"It is incredibly personal to me to be at a convention where we have the opportunity to elect of course the first Black woman president, but, specifically, the first Indian-American president," Pureval said. "I know for a fact there's no way they would dream in my mom's lifetime we would elect an Indian American (for president.)"

Pureval campaigns for Kamala Harris

Pureval is an Ohio delegate. But for Harris, as he was for Biden, he is also on the campaign's national advisory board and he's a voting member of the Democratic Party's platform committee.

"I genuinely believe she is the right person at the right time to lead the country at a time when we have incredible opportunities and at a time when there are challenges in aftermath of the pandemic and there are increasing challenges abroad," Pureval told The Enquirer. "She has a vision she is laying out for the country, one a majority of Americans can believe in."

Also, personally, he said, "It is exciting and inspiring to see somebody of Indian descent being in a position to make history. It’s been a challenging time in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community, with the rise of hate crimes and the language used by President Trump around COVID-19. Vice President Harris represents joy and hope, not just for Asians, but around the country."

Two days after Harris replaced Biden, Pureval flew to Minnesota for a South Asians for America event with elected leaders and volunteers, while Harris headlined an event in Milwaukee.

Pureval did speaker introductions on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Men for Harris campaign call Aug. 7. And he spoke in Springfield, Illinois, at a Harris event that also featured U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

On Instagram, Pureval wrote: "Proud to be a part of this work, following in the footsteps of Black and AANHPI women to build strong coalitions for our next president.

Pureval so far unopposed for reelection in 2025

Pureval is new to the national political scene, but he is popular − so far nobody has announced they'll run against him in next year's mayoral race − and he's a charismatic speaker.

Speaking roles are typically granted to up-and-coming people in the party and Pureval is that. However, he said, "I am first and foremost here to continue to lift Cincinnati's profile and continue to be a strong partner for our federal leaders, so that when there are trillions of dollars of federal money available, Cincinnati is getting our fair share and more."

He does not plan to run for higher office, he said. He plans to run for re-election next year and then likely leave politics. He has repeatedly told The Enquirer he is not seeking a job in the administration, which has been a persistent rumor.

The ask came because Harris was likely attracted to Pureval's background. She is embracing her heritage. And Pureval is of Indian-Tibetan descent, the son of first-generation Americans.

Harris has Black Jamaican and Indian ancestry and she has leaned into her heritage to connect with voters, despite attacks from opponent former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee.

USA TODAY has reported Asian Americans are the fastest-growing group of eligible voters. Their number has grown by 15%, or about 2 million eligible voters, since the last election, according to Pew Research.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati's first Asian American Mayor Aftab Pureval to speak at DNC