Richard Cordray on Monday promoted the work of his consumer protection agency without discussing a possible run for governor.

Cordray heads the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a target of Republicans who say it hinders business growth. Some Republicans contend political ambitions are influencing Cordray's work.

The former Ohio treasurer and attorney general highlighted Monday's AFL-CIO picnic at Coney Island near Cincinnati.

Cordray said the consumer protection agency has helped gain $12 billion in consumer relief, aiding people with mortgage, predatory lending and credit card issues.

"This has been hard work," he said. The agency that he heads has made "important steps forward" to protect consumers, said Cordray.

He declined to answer any questions about a run for governor.

Hundreds gathered at the Cincinnati picnic's speaker area, fewer than the thousands-strong crowds for better-known politicians in past years such as Bill Clinton in 2016. Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden have also addressed the picnic.

So far, four Republicans and four Democrats have entered the 2018 race to succeed Republican Gov. John Kasich.