The Cuban businessman Joseph Hernández officially announced his independent candidacy for the New York City mayoralty, with the declared goal of halting what he sees as a communist threat represented by the Democrat Zohran Mamdani.
Hernández, born in Camagüey, emigrated to the United States at the age of seven. He was raised in a humble family, the son of a former political prisoner and a mother who worked as a house cleaner.
The Cuban candidate for mayor of New York claims that he is not a politician, but a citizen who "has had enough" and wants to restore order and prosperity to the city.
"I know communism. I lived it. I remember the lines for bread and meat. I don’t want that for New York," he said at his first press conference, held at Quisqueya Plaza in Upper Manhattan. From there, he launched his campaign.
Among his key proposals, Hernández promises to strengthen the Police Department, support small businesses with a direct line to the mayor's office, and reallocate funds to repair the roads and modernize the infrastructure.
He also made a call to the Latino community, which he considers underserved. “We have no voice. It's time to speak up so that we are heard,” he stated, emphasizing that Latinos represent around 2.5 million of the city's residents.
The Cuban-American candidate claims that he does not sympathize "with either the far right or the far left."
Who is the Cuban running against for the New York City mayoralty?
Zohran Mamdani is his main political opponent. He is a young state assembly member of Ugandan and Indian descent who made history by becoming the first Muslim to obtain the Democratic nomination for mayor.
He has garnered support from young people, immigrants, and progressive sectors with proposals such as free public transportation, universal childcare, and rent freezes. He was accused of lying about his origins when registering for university studies in the United States, something the Cuban has turned to his advantage in this campaign.
Mamdani has made his identity and political activism a central part of his campaign, denouncing Islamophobic threats and advocating for equity and social justice. His initiatives have been praised by social movements, but they have also been questioned for their low financial sustainability.
In addition to Hernández and Mamdani, the current mayor Eric Adams and former governor Andrew Cuomo, both running as independents, are also in the race.
"We are going to reclaim New York", were Hernández's words, presenting himself as the alternative to the advance of socialism in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions about Joseph Hernández's Candidacy for Mayor of New York
Who is Joseph Hernández?
Joseph Hernández is a Cuban entrepreneur who has launched his independent candidacy for the mayoralty of New York City. Born in Camagüey, Cuba, he emigrated to the United States at the age of seven. Hernández comes from a humble family, and his campaign focuses on stopping what he considers a communist threat in the city.
What are Joseph Hernández's key proposals for New York?
Among Joseph Hernández's proposals are the strengthening of the Police Department and support for small businesses. Additionally, he plans to reallocate funds to improve the city's infrastructure and has called on the Latino community to make their voices heard in local politics.
Who is Zohran Mamdani, the main opponent of Joseph Hernández?
Zohran Mamdani is a state assembly member of Ugandan and Indian descent who received the Democratic nomination for the mayoralty of New York City. He identifies as a Muslim and a socialist, and has proposed measures such as free public transportation and universal childcare. His campaign has been well received by progressive sectors but criticized for its financial viability.
What criticisms has Joseph Hernández made about the Cuban political system?
Joseph Hernández has strongly criticized the Cuban communist system, claiming that he has lived the consequences of such a regime. He has mentioned long lines and food shortages in Cuba as examples of what he does not want for New York, positioning himself against the socialist ideas he associates with his main opponent, Zohran Mamdani.
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