On July 20, we reported that Director Cordray is scheduled to give a speech at the September 4 Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Day picnic.  Assuming the speculation that Director Cordray plans to run for Ohio governor is accurate, that event seemed to be an ideal venue for him to announce his candidacy.

Monday, the Ohio Democratic Party announced that the first in a series of six gubernatorial debates will be held on September 12 at Martins Ferry High School in Belmont County.  All of the announced candidates (former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, Dayton Mayor Dan Whaley, former state Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni and former State Senator Connie Pillich) have agreed to participate.

As of now, Director Cordray is not slated to participate in the debate.  Party Chairman David Pepper was quoted by Cleveland.com: “I think anyone looking to run for statewide office, there aren’t that many months left before you really have to get going…As you can see, we’re moving forward.”

So far, Director Cordray has not indicated whether he is planning to enter the Ohio gubernatorial race and, if so, when that will happen.  If he decides to run, he must first resign as CFPB Director.  That could happen in early September so that he can launch his campaign on Labor Day at the Cincinnati AFL-CIO picnic, and/or participate in the first Democratic Party gubernatorial debate on September 12.