NYC’s latest mayoral contender is Cuban-born biotech entrepreneur who hates socialism

Joseph Hernandez, 52, has branded himself as the opposite of Mamdani. “I was raised in a socialist communist society, so I am the antithesis of Zohran Mamdani’s ideology,” he said.

“In fact, he’s a motivator for me to fight in this race. I despise socialism. I am a believer in the American dream. I’m a believer in capitalism. It’s not perfect, but it’s lifted more people out of poverty than any other ideology,” Hernandez added in comments to reporters, per the New York Post.

The biotech entrepreneur immigrated to the United States at the age of seven with his family to escape the communist regime of Fidel Castro. Hernandez entered the race a little over a month ago as an independent after he collected enough signatures to enter his name on the ballot in November.

“I'm doing this because I love the city and want to make it better,” Hernandez added. “I don’t have baggage like [many of the other candidates]. I’m a businessman; I’m logical; I know technology; and know how to structure budgets.”

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as New York City Mayor Eric Adam,s have both entered the race as independents, with Cuomo doing so after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary for the mayoral candidacy.

Hernandez, who is a registered Republican, is the head of the healthcare and technology investment firm Blue Water Venture Partners based in Manhattan. He has vowed to hire 10,000 more police officers as well as implement a number of other safety improvements. Part of his platform also includes converting unused office space into affordable housing and using AI to improve conditions around the city.

Hernandez has raised around $300,000 since he entered the race in late June and has gotten endorsements from the Bodega and Small Business Group.