By Robert Press
Edited by Mutiu Olawuyi

Republican candidate for New York State Comptroller Joseph Hernandez visited Morris Park on Monday night for a fundraiser co-hosted by the Bronx Republican Party, drawing a packed room of supporters and local candidates.

The event brought together several Republican candidates seeking office in the Bronx and surrounding districts, including Irene Guanil, candidate for the 82nd Assembly District; Diamant Hysenaj, candidate for the 14th Congressional District; and Joe Cinquemani, candidate for the 16th Congressional District.

Hernandez used the gathering to introduce himself to Bronx voters, share his personal story, and outline his priorities if elected State Comptroller.

Speaking to supporters, Hernandez reflected on his family’s journey from Cuba to the United States when he was seven years old. He also spoke about his education at the University of Florida and Yale University, and his professional experience as an entrepreneur.

Hernandez framed his campaign around fiscal accountability, investment reform, and stronger oversight of state spending.

According to Hernandez, one of his major goals would be to review how New York’s pension funds are managed. He said he would seek to bring more management responsibilities in-house instead of relying heavily on Wall Street firms paid to manage the state’s pension assets.

He also claimed that New York’s $277 billion state budget contains as much as $18 billion in fraud, waste, or questionable spending, and said he would make identifying and addressing those concerns a priority if elected.

Hernandez also said he wants New York to invest more directly in itself, arguing that the state’s financial power should be used to strengthen residents, businesses, and long-term economic growth.

The event also served as a platform for other Republican candidates to connect with Bronx voters and supporters. Bronx Republican Party Vice-Chair and former Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato joined candidates at the gathering, reflecting the party’s effort to build visibility and organization in the borough ahead of the election season.

For Morris Park and the wider Bronx political community, the fundraiser showed how local political organizing is becoming increasingly active as candidates work to reach voters concerned about public spending, affordability, government accountability, and the future direction of New York.

While Hernandez’s claims and proposals will require scrutiny as the campaign continues, his visit gave Bronx Republicans and supporters an opportunity to hear directly from a statewide candidate seeking to make fiscal oversight a central issue.

The office of State Comptroller plays a major role in New York government. The Comptroller oversees state finances, audits government agencies, manages the state pension fund, and monitors how public money is spent. For voters, the race will raise important questions about transparency, investment strategy, fiscal discipline, and public trust.

As the campaign develops, Bronx residents will be looking not only at party labels, but at which candidates can clearly explain how they would protect taxpayer dollars, strengthen public accountability, and ensure that state finances serve the people of New York.