#USA #New York #Quality of Life #Joseph Hernandez #NYC Mayoral

Hernandez for NYC: Advocating for Inclusivity in Debates

The Hernandez for NYC campaign has taken a bold step by formally requesting the inclusion of Joseph Hernandez, a certified candidate for Mayor of New York City, in the upcoming general election debates. With nearly 15,000 valid petition signatures—almost four times surpassing what is legally required—Hernandez has earned a place on the November ballot under the Quality of Life Party line. However, he faces exclusion from debates, prompting the campaign to assert their demand for fairness and transparency in the electoral process.

The Need for Inclusion

Debate organizers have opted to exclude Hernandez from two pivotal debates set for October: the General Election Debate on October 16 and the Leading Contender Debate on October 22. This exclusion raises significant concerns about democracy and equitable representation, especially given that Hernandez is the only Hispanic candidate in a field where nearly 30% of New Yorkers identify as Hispanic.

The Hernandez campaign argues that denying a certified candidate a platform undermines democratic values and disenfranchises a substantial portion of New York's population that deserves representation. They have reached out to debate organizers, media partners, and various stakeholders to stress the importance of inclusivity in these discussions.

Campaign's Arguments

In a series of letters sent to key players in the election process, the campaign has made the following key points:

• - Democracy at Risk: Banning a qualified candidate from debates undermines the electoral process and silences vital voices critical to the conversation regarding the future of New York City.
• - Hispanic Representation: With New York's Hispanic population being significant, the absence of their sole representative on such a public platform raises serious concerns about equity and fairness.
• - Equal Access To Coverage: Equitable media coverage is essential in democracies, and the campaign has also appealed to major television and radio stations under FCC regulations for balanced representation in their news coverage.

Hernandez has been vocal about the importance of providing a platform for all qualified candidates, stating, "Debates are not the property of political insiders or media gatekeepers. They are a public trust. Every qualified voice deserves to be heard. New Yorkers deserve the full debate, not a filtered one."

Details of Scheduled Debates

1. General Election Debate
- Date: October 16, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Broadcasted on: NBC 4 New York, in partnership with Telemundo 47 and POLITICO.

2. Leading Contender Debate
- Date: October 22, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Broadcasted on: NY1, partnered with WNYC/Gothamist, THE CITY, New York Law School, Museum of the City of New York, and more.

About Joseph Hernandez

Joseph Hernandez is a Hispanic-American biotech entrepreneur with a compelling life story, having immigrated to the United States at just seven years old. His commitment to public health innovation is reflected in his career of founding healthcare companies that have made national impacts. Launched as an independent candidate for Mayor of New York City, his platform promises a focus on restoring safety, affordability, and accountability in city leadership.

The Hernandez campaign continues to fight for the inclusion of Joseph in the debates, marking a critical angle in the broader discussion of who gets to participate in shaping the future of New York City. For those wishing to learn more, further details are available at hernandezfornyc.com.