News Summary
The Bodega and Small Business Group has endorsed independent mayoral candidate Joseph Hernandez, opposing the Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani. Hernandez’s campaign emphasizes a pro-business stance amid concerns about Mamdani’s socialist proposals, which include creating non-profit grocery stores and raising the minimum wage. This endorsement highlights a growing divide in NYC’s retail sector, as Hernandez rallies support from key industry players against the proposed policies that many view as detrimental to small businesses. The upcoming election is set to showcase contrasting economic visions for the city.
New York City – The Bodega and Small Business Group has officially endorsed independent mayoral candidate Joseph Hernandez, a move highlighting the retail grocery industry’s opposition to Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani. Hernandez launched his campaign on July 1, 2025, and has quickly garnered support from key industry players amidst concerns over Mamdani’s proposed socialist policies.
Zohran Mamdani, a current state assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, won the Democratic primary election last month and is now expected to run against Hernandez, Republican Curtis Sliwa, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, and potentially others, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, in the upcoming November election.
Mamdani has put forth several progressive policies, including plans to establish a government-funded chain of non-profit grocery stores in New York City, freezing rent prices, and raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour. While these proposals have garnered attention, they are viewed unfavorably by those in the retail grocery sector.
Francisco Marte, founder and president of the Bodega and Small Business Group, cited the challenges faced by New York City bodega owners, such as rising crime and high taxes. He emphasized the necessity of electing a mayor who possesses a solid understanding of both business operations and community safety.
In contrast, Joseph Hernandez is a Cuban-born biotechnology entrepreneur who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 7. Although he is a political newcomer, Hernandez has distinctly articulated his opposition to socialism, positing that such ideologies fail to align with New York City’s foundational values of ambition, hustle, and opportunity. He advocates for the protection and empowerment of small business owners, workers, and families in the city.
Support for Hernandez has been bolstered by other grocery retail networks, including the United Bodegas of America (UBA). The UBA collaborated with John Catsimatidis, owner of the Gristedes supermarket chain, in publicly protesting Mamdani’s plans at a press conference held on June 30. Radhames Rodriguez, president of UBA, expressed concerns regarding the sustainability of competing against the city in the grocery business.
Mamdani has argued that the establishment of one non-profit grocery store in each of the five boroughs of New York City would serve as a pilot initiative to address food deserts and the high prices faced by low-income residents. He aims to fund this initiative with $60 million from the Food Retail Expansion to Support Health Program, which promotes investment in retailers providing fresh produce in underserved areas.
The tension between the Bodega and Small Business Group, the UBA, and Mamdani’s proposed policies underscores a significant debate regarding the role of non-profit grocery mechanisms in New York City’s retail economy. Hernandez’s endorsement not only signals a clear division between the independent candidate and progressive policies but also highlights a broader discussion on how to support small businesses amidst evolving demands in the retail sector.
As the campaign progresses, the contrasting visions of Hernandez and Mamdani are expected to shape the discourse surrounding the future of New York City’s economy and the challenges faced by its small business community.
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HERE Resources
Bodegas Endorse Independent Candidate Against Democratic Rival
Additional Resources
- Supermarket News: NYC Bodega Owners Oppose City-Run Grocery Stores
- Wikipedia: New York City
- New York Times: Etan Patz Case
- Google Search: Etan Patz
- NBC News: Etan Patz Case
- Google Scholar: Etan Patz Case
- New York Post: Bodega Owner Robbed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grocery Stores
- New York Post: NYC Bail Reform Darling
- Google News: NYC Bodegas
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
