Cuban-Born Entrepreneur Takes on Socialist Mamdani in NYC Mayoral Race [WATCH]

A Cuban-born businessman has entered the New York City mayoral race, challenging Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani and adding another independent candidate to an already crowded field.

Joseph Hernandez, 52, a biotech entrepreneur based in Manhattan, formally joined the contest in late June after collecting enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

Thank you to the @nypost for covering our campaign to save NYC from the failures of socialism.

We’re building a city that works — safe streets, affordable housing, and real leadership. pic.twitter.com/Jk603QM6yS

— Joseph Hernandez (@hernandezfornyc) August 16, 2025

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Hernandez immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of seven, fleeing Fidel Castro’s communist regime in Cuba.

Hernandez has made clear that his candidacy is driven in part by opposition to Mamdani, the Democratic Party’s nominee.

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“I was raised in a socialist communist society, so I am the antithesis of Zohran Mamdani’s ideology,” Hernandez 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.”

Speaking to reporters, Hernandez emphasized that his decision to run was motivated by what he described as a desire to improve conditions in the city. “I’m doing this because I love the city and want to make it better,” he said.

“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.”

I came from communism. I know what it does, and I’ll never let it take root here. Not in America. Not in NYC.

Help me fight this machine that hates America — donate to our movement today:https://t.co/3BQEw7ihqE pic.twitter.com/wtMS6SMaij

— Joseph Hernandez (@hernandezfornyc) August 16, 2025

Hernandez, who is registered as a Republican, is the head of Blue Water Venture Partners, a healthcare and technology investment firm headquartered in Manhattan.

His campaign platform has centered on public safety, housing, and modernization initiatives.

He has pledged to add 10,000 police officers to the New York Police Department and to implement measures aimed at improving security across the city.

In addition to policing, Hernandez has called for repurposing unused office space into affordable housing units, arguing that vacant commercial real estate should be transformed into residences to meet demand.

His plan also includes leveraging artificial intelligence to improve municipal services and day-to-day quality of life in New York City.

The race also features two other independent candidates: former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and current New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Cuomo entered the race after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, while Adams announced his candidacy following criticism of his administration’s handling of crime and housing issues.

Hernandez reported raising approximately $300,000 since his campaign launched in late June.

He has secured endorsements from several groups, including the Bodega and Small Business Group, which cited his business background and public safety proposals as reasons for their support.

The entry of Hernandez adds another dimension to the mayoral race, which has already drawn national attention given Mamdani’s nomination and the involvement of high-profile figures such as Cuomo and Adams.

Hernandez’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on contrasting his experiences as an immigrant and businessman with Mamdani’s platform, as well as on pitching himself as an outsider with no political entanglements.

The election is scheduled for November, with candidates now intensifying their campaigns and seeking to draw support from a city electorate facing concerns over crime, housing affordability, and economic recovery.