Bodegas Endorse Independent Candidate Against Democratic Rival

News Summary

The Bodega and Small Business Group has endorsed independent mayoral candidate Joseph Hernandez in opposition to Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani. Hernandez, a biotechnology entrepreneur, criticizes Mamdani’s socialist proposals, particularly his plan for government-funded grocery stores which raise concerns among small business owners. As the election approaches, the intersection of proposals affecting small businesses and the upcoming competitive mayoral race could significantly influence voter decisions and the economic landscape in New York City.

New York – The Bodega and Small Business Group, representing independently owned bodegas in New York City, has endorsed independent mayoral candidate Joseph Hernandez in the upcoming election. This endorsement, announced following Hernandez’s campaign launch on July 1, 2025, indicates a significant opposition to the Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, who recently won the Democratic primary and is set to run in the general election in November 2025.

Joseph Hernandez, a Cuban-born biotechnology entrepreneur without prior political experience, has openly criticized Mamdani’s self-identified democratic socialism. The Bodega and Small Business Group has expressed concerns over Mamdani’s proposals, particularly regarding his plan to open government-funded non-profit grocery stores as a means to address food deserts and provide lower prices for low-income residents.

Mamdani’s campaign includes ambitious proposals aimed at enhancing the economic landscape of New York City. These proposals entail freezing rent prices and raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour, likely appealing to progressive voters but causing significant concern among small business owners and retail networks. Hernandez argues that such socialist policies could jeopardize the viability of bodegas and other independent businesses.

Francisco Marte, president of the Bodega and Small Business Group, highlighted the struggles of bodega owners, emphasizing challenges related to crime and exorbitant taxes. Furthermore, the United Bodegas of America (UBA), another prominent retail organization, shares similar apprehensions regarding Mamdani’s grocery store initiative. President Radhames Rodriguez articulated that the UBA cannot endorse a model that would put them in competition with city-operated entities.

Mamdani’s proposal for non-profit grocery stores includes initiating a pilot program that would see a store established in each of New York City’s five boroughs, funded through the reallocation of $60 million from the Food Retail Expansion to Support Health Program (FRESH). This plan has been met with skepticism from business groups who argue that it could undermine local enterprises.

Despite Mamdani’s assertions that his platform could resonate with independents and Republicans, many in the business community view his proposals as a move toward a more radical, socialist framework that they believe could stifle entrepreneurship and economic growth.

The impending mayoral race is projected to be highly competitive, featuring Hernandez, Mamdani, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and possibly former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Each candidate brings a distinct vision for New York, with Mamdani advocating for policies that reflect a growing trend toward socialist ideologies within the Democratic Party. However, these policies have sparked a backlash from various business organizations who insist that such changes would be detrimental to the city’s economic fabric.

The intersection of politics and small business concerns sets the stage for what could be a pivotal election. Hernandez aims to protect the interests of small business owners and workers, utilizing his background and platform to address the issues that bodegas and other independent retailers face today. In contrast, Mamdani’s platform proposes systemic changes that seek to redefine the grocery and retail landscape in New York City amid ongoing discussions about social equity and economic opportunity.

As the November election approaches, the perspectives of small business owners, along with their survival strategies in an evolving economic context, will likely play a crucial role in shaping voter decisions. The Bodega and Small Business Group’s endorsement of Hernandez signals a call to action for retailers who feel threatened by policies that they believe could undermine their long-standing operations.

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