A New Mexico state lawmaker dropped his reelection campaign after police were called over a naked man incident at a Chicago hotel.
Democratic Rep. Joseph Hernandez, a first-term legislator representing House District 4 in Shiprock, announced on Aug. 25 that he was pulling out of the November race. The incident that preceded his exit involved alcohol, a hotel hallway, and reports of a man running through it without clothes while knocking on guests’ doors.
As originally reported, Hernandez serves a district in northwestern New Mexico and had been working through his first term in the state legislature before the Chicago episode derailed his political plans.
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In his withdrawal statement, Hernandez said the decision came down to personal priorities. “At this time, I believe the best decision for me and those I love is to focus on my health and my family, while continuing to serve the community that entrusted me with this office through the remainder of my term,” he said.
He did not announce a resignation. Hernandez stated he intends to finish out his current term while stepping back from the campaign trail. His focus, he said, would shift to his health and the people closest to him.
The Chicago hotel incident involved police being called after reports surfaced of a naked man running through a hallway and knocking on guests’ doors. Alcohol was a factor, according to the circumstances of the report.
Hernandez becomes the latest elected official to see a political future cut short by a personal controversy. His district, House District 4, will now head into the November election without an incumbent on the ballot.
