NYC Mayoral Race Heats Up: Biotech CEO Challenges Socialist Frontrunner

Joseph Hernandez, a Cuban-born biotech entrepreneur, has entered the NYC mayoral race, directly challenging socialist frontrunner Zohran Mamdani. Hernandez, who immigrated to the US to escape Fidel Castro's regime, strongly opposes Mamdani's socialist policies, stating, "I despise socialism."

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/cuban-born-biotech-entrepreneur-joseph-109562618.jpg?w=960" alt="Hernandez at a news conference">

Hernandez, a registered Republican, heads Blue Water Venture Partners and brings a business-oriented approach to his campaign. His platform includes:

• Hiring 10,000 new police officers to improve public safety.
• Converting unused office space into affordable housing.
• Utilizing artificial intelligence to enhance city services.

He has already secured an endorsement from the Bodega and Small Business Group, which opposes Mamdani's plan to create city-run supermarkets.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/new-york-city-mayoral-candidate-109552520_7a4bca.jpg?w=1024" alt="Zohran Mamdani campaign photo">

Recent polls show Mamdani leading with 44% of the vote, followed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo (25%), Curtis Sliwa (12%), and Mayor Eric Adams (7%). Hernandez aims to attract moderate and conservative voters seeking an alternative to Mamdani, arguing his business acumen and lack of political baggage make him the most qualified candidate.