In a bold move, Joseph Hernandez, a Cuban-born biotech entrepreneur, has thrown his hat into the ring for the New York City mayoral race.
Running as an Independent, Hernandez positions himself as a staunch opponent of the socialist platform championed by Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. His candidacy is a direct response to what he perceives as the dangers of socialism, a system he experienced firsthand during his early years in Cuba.
Hernandez's disdain for socialism is deeply personal. "I was raised in a socialist communist society, so I am the antithesis of Zohran Mamdanis ideology," he shared with the New York Post. "In fact, hes a motivator for me to fight in this race. I despise socialism. I am a believer in the American dream. Im a believer in capitalism. Its not perfect, but its lifted more people out of poverty than any other ideology."
According to the Daily Caller, Hernandez's journey to the United States began when his family fled Fidel Castro's oppressive regime, with his father having been a political prisoner. This background has shaped his belief in the power of capitalism and the American dream.
Hernandez's campaign is built on his love for New York City and his conviction that his business acumen makes him the ideal candidate to lead the city. "I doing this because I love the city and want to make it better," he stated. "I dont have baggage like [many of the other candidates]. Im a businessman; Im logical; I know technology; and know how to structure budgets."
His platform promises practical solutions for New Yorkers, including hiring 10,000 new police officers, transforming underutilized office spaces into residential housing, and leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance city services.
Despite his enthusiasm and a campaign war chest exceeding $300,000, Hernandez faces an uphill battle. A Sienna poll conducted on August 12 indicates that Mamdani leads with 44% favorability. Former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo follows with 25%, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa with 12%, and Independent Mayor Eric Adams with 7%.
The remaining 12% of voters are either undecided or support other candidates. Nevertheless, Hernandez's endorsement from the Bodega and Small Business Group underscores his appeal to certain segments of the electorate.
As the race unfolds, his commitment to conservative principles and business-oriented solutions will be tested against the prevailing political currents in New York City.
Login