Former CFPB head and Trump target Richard Cordray to run for Ohio governor as Democrat

COLUMBUS - Former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray wants to be the state's next governor.

Cordray, 58, will announce his candidacy for governor Tuesday morning at Lilly’s Kitchen Table in his hometown of Grove City, an advisor said. After that, he will tour the state to meet with Democratic activists, leaders and voters.

Cordray recently resigned from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which he led after being appointed by President Barack Obama. Before that, he served as Ohio's attorney general and state treasurer.

Cordray's departure from the CFPB sparked a leadership controversy at the agency. President Donald Trump appointed Mick Mulvaney to replace Cordray, but Cordray has already selected a successor, Leandra English. Mulvaney is in charge now but English has sued in federal court.

The fight underscores the frustration that Republicans have felt over Cordray's autonomy at the CFPB.

"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, has been a total disaster as run by the previous Administrations pick," Trump tweeted after Cordray resigned. "Financial Institutions have been devastated and unable to properly serve the public. We will bring it back to life!"

But that squabble might help Cordray in the eyes of Democrats. Cordray, a former Jeopardy champion, should enter the race with considerable support from Democratic fundraisers nationwide. Mary Ellen Withrow, former U.S. treasurer under President Bill Clinton, was listed as Cordray's campaign treasurer in paperwork filed Monday.

Cordray also has more campaign experience and name recognition than other Democrats currently in the race.

Cordray faces five Democratic challengers in the May primary. They include Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill, former state Rep. Connie Pillich, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.

O'Neill had said he would exit the race if Cordray entered. But on Monday, O'Neill told The Enquirer that he would wait for Cordray's official announcement. He also wants to know Cordray's stance on legalizing marijuana and building better mental health hospitals – two ideas O'Neill supports.

Last week, GOP Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine named Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted as his running mate. The powerful Republican duo was hoping to clear the primary field, which includes Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci.

All are running to replace the term-limited Gov. John Kasich.