A Cuban-American biotech entrepreneur, Hernandez is an independent candidate in the race. He officially launched his mayoral campaign at the end of June after submitting nearly 15,000 petition signatures, close to four times the needed amount, to the New York City Board of Elections. His name, as a result, will appear on the general election ballot in November.

Hernandez immigrated to the United States aged seven with his family to escape Fidel Castro’s Cuba. His father was a political prisoner.

He has had a successful career in biotechnology and founded multiple healthcare companies, raising over $1bn in private and public capital.

He says his priorities include improving public safety and street cleanliness in New York, building affordable housing, including by converting unused office space, and using technology such as artificial intelligence to improve city operations.