Cuban-American Mayoral Candidate in New York: "We Believe We Have Strong Support"

Joseph Hernández, a Cuban-American entrepreneur running as an independent candidate for New York City's mayoral race, recently reported raising nearly $300,000 within just a month of campaigning. This amount, while significant for a candidate lacking major party backing, is modest compared to the enormous funds typically involved in campaigns within the nation's most expensive city.

In a conversation with Fox News Digital, Hernández expressed confidence in the broad network of donors supporting him. "We believe we have strong support and continue to seek backing because we face a huge battle. A powerful political machine is opposing us," he stated.

Experts note that although his initial fundraising provides media visibility and grassroots organization, it falls short of the resources needed for a race against candidates like Democrat Zohran Mamdani, who benefit from strong political structures and substantial financial support.

Born in Camagüey, Cuba, Hernández, now 52, emigrated to the United States at age seven following his father's political imprisonment and his family's exile. He has since built a successful career in the health and tech sectors, founding over a dozen companies and leading the investment firm Blue Water Venture Partners in Manhattan.

His campaign blends the narrative of Cuban exile with proposals focused on security and order. During his first public event in Upper Manhattan, he declared, "I know communism. I lived it. I remember the lines for bread and meat. I don't want that for New York."

Hernández positions himself not as a career politician, but as a concerned citizen alarmed by the city's direction. His main priorities include safety, affordability, and technology. He plans to hire 10,000 additional police officers, upgrade public services with artificial intelligence, and turn vacant offices into affordable housing.

"I don't really need to do this for my career or life, but I'm very, very worried about the trajectory of this great city," he commented in his interview with Fox News Digital. "The city is not safe," he asserted. "You can't ride the subway at night. Women are attacked almost daily. There are robberies here. There's no law and order; there's no respect for the law."

The Rival: Zohran Mamdani

Hernández's main opposition comes from Zohran Mamdani, a state assemblyman of Ugandan and Indian descent, who has become a notable figure among New York's progressive left. Mamdani has gained significant traction with young people, immigrants, and activists through proposals like free public transportation, universal childcare, and rent freezes, although critics question the economic feasibility of these plans.

Mamdani has also leveraged his identity as a political asset, being the first Muslim to run for mayor with a Democratic nomination. He has spoken out against Islamophobic threats and positions himself as a champion of social justice and equity.

According to a Siena poll cited by Fox News, Mamdani leads the race with 44% support, followed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo (25%), Republican Curtis Sliwa (12%), and current Mayor Eric Adams (7%).

While Mamdani represents the progressive wing with an inclusive and social agenda, Hernández defines himself as his "polar opposite," focusing on discipline, law, and order.

The contest between them symbolizes the clash of visions in a city grappling with a housing crisis, rising crime, and political polarization. For Hernández, the fight is not only electoral but ideological. "This is an incredible society, and we are squandering it," he told Fox News.

The Cuban-American candidate recognizes that raising enough funds is crucial to staying competitive, but he believes his personal story and his message of combating what he refers to as the "communist threat" will secure him a place in New York's toughest and most expensive race.