FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 6, 2025

 

Contact:

Brennan Gorman

Hernandez for NYC

‪(631) 921-5749

press@hernandezfornyc.com

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INDEPENDENT MAYORAL CANDIDATE JOSEPH HERNANDEZ CALLS ON ALL CANDIDATES TO RELEASE COLLEGE APPLICATIONS AMID MAMDANI CONTROVERSY

 

NEW YORK, NY — Independent mayoral candidate Joseph Hernandez today called on all candidates running for Mayor of New York City to release their college applications, specifically how they identified their race and ethnicity, following news reports that Zohran Mamdani allegedly identified as both Asian and African American on his Columbia University application.

 

“In a city that values fairness and transparency, candidates for public office should be willing to show the public who they are and how they’ve represented themselves,” said Hernandez. “If you're asking voters for their trust, that starts with honesty.”

 

Hernandez, a Cuban-American immigrant and the son of a political prisoner, came to the United States at the age of seven and earned his way through a distinguished academic and professional career, without ever misrepresenting his identity. At every stage of his academic journey, Hernandez identified truthfully as Cuban-American, never misrepresenting his race or ethnicity to gain advantage.

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He earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Florida, where he also completed dual graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship. He later received a Master of Science in Chronic Disease Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Yale University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Global Healthcare Leadership at the University of Oxford.

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“I never pretended to be someone I wasn’t. I trusted that hard work and perseverance would open the doors I needed,” Hernandez said. “Too many people in politics have become comfortable with cutting corners. That’s not the example our city needs right now.”

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Hernandez’s call for disclosure aligns with the broader message of his campaign: restoring accountability, defending opportunity and capitalism, and bringing results-driven, independent leadership back to New York City.

 

Joseph Hernandez will appear on the general election ballot this November as an independent candidate for Mayor of New York City.

 

For media inquiries or to schedule an interview, contact Brennan Gorman at (631) 921-5749 or press@hernandezfornyc.com.

 

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About Joseph Hernandez:

Joseph Hernandez is a Cuban-American biotech entrepreneur and independent candidate for Mayor of New York City. A refugee and the son of a political prisoner, he immigrated to the U.S. at age seven and built a nationally recognized career founding healthcare companies and advancing public health innovation. He is running to restore safety, affordability, and accountability to New York City leadership.

 

For more information, visit hernandezfornyc.com.

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