Former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Richard Cordray took one step closer to becoming the governor of Ohio on Tuesday, cruising to a victory in the state’s Democratic primary.
Cordray defeated his main challenger, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, by a 40-point margin. Most media outlets had framed the race as a battle between the Democratic Party’s mainstream choice, Cordray, and the more progressive wing of the party as embodied by Kucinich.
“This victory happened for a reason,” Cordray told supporters after his victory, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “You demanded change, and we heard you, and we want the same.”
The gubernatorial hopeful served as the first director of the CFPB from 2013 until late last year, when he resigned his post in order to enter the race. His departure kicked off palace intrigue at the bureau, which had never before had to deal with a transfer of power; Mick Mulvaney, President Trump’s pick to replace Cordray, has largely settled into the role of acting director despite persistent legal challenges from deputy director Leandra English.
Cordray will face Republican primary victor Mike DeWine, who received a boost from the president on Twitter on Wednesday morning.
“Congratulations to Mike Dewine on his big win in the Great State of Ohio,” Trump wrote in the tweet. “He will be a great Governor with a heavy focus on HealthCare and Jobs.”
The president also used the opportunity to take a swipe at Cordray and his tenure at the CFPB.
“[DeWine’s] Socialist opponent in November should not do well, a big failure in last job!” Trump wrote, referring to Cordray.
Written by Alex Spanko
