Joseph Hernandez
About
Joseph Hernandez is a Republican candidate for New York State Comptroller in the 2026 general election. He is a founder of multiple biotech and energy companies, including Blue Water Biotech, Inc., and holds an MBA and a Master's in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology from the University of Florida. Hernandez advocates for disciplined pension fund management, scrutiny of the state budget, and market-driven investment strategies to rebuild New York's economy.
Founder, Energia Power Systems, Inc. (2023–Present)
Founder, Eternity Biotech, Inc. (2023–Present)
Founder, Temple Street Biotech (2023–Present)
Founder, Perseus Therapeutics (2023–Present)
Founder and CEO, Blue Water Biotech, Inc. (2019–2023)
MBA, University of Florida (1998)
Master's, University of Florida, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology (1998)
Where they stand
Pension Fund Growth and Security
Joseph Hernandez will strengthen the pension fund to ease the tax burden by improving long-term returns, reducing unnecessary costs and excessive Wall Street fees, and managing the fund as a fiduciary free from political pressure.
Government Accountability and Oversight
Hernandez will use the Comptroller's authority to review and pre-approve state contracts, expand audits of state agencies and public authorities, oversee MTA spending, and enforce budget transparency to stop waste and abuse.
Their priorities
Issues Joseph is raising that aren't a shared debate across the field.
Responsible Investment and Economic Growth
Hernandez supports disciplined, market-driven investment strategies that strengthen the economy while protecting the pension fund and taxpayers, with a focus on upstate and western New York job creation, infrastructure, and sectors like advanced manufacturing, technology, energy, logistics, and life sciences.
Taxpayer Protection
Hernandez believes taxpayers are best protected when New York's finances are managed with discipline, independence, and a clear focus on results, including reducing pressure on property taxpayers by stabilizing pension costs.
Others running for State Comptroller