EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
New Mexico Representative Joseph Hernandez abruptly ended his reelection campaign following a bizarre naked disturbance incident at a Chicago hotel.
New Mexico Rep. Joseph Hernandez ended his reelection bid after a Chicago hotel naked disturbance incident.
- New Mexico Democratic state Representative Joseph Hernandez withdrew from his reelection campaign on August 25 following a bizarre alcohol-related incident at a Chicago hotel. Police responded to the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza on July 29 after receiving complaints about a naked man running down a hallway.
- Officers arrived at the scene during the early morning hours to investigate reports of an individual banging on guest doors. The naked man described in the heavily redacted Chicago Police Department report was subsequently identified by news outlets as Hernandez.
- Witness accounts also alleged that Hernandez pushed a guest near an elevator prior to police arrival. A separate hotel encounter during the same trip reportedly involved the lawmaker passing out on a lobby couch after consuming alcohol.
- Initially, Hernandez downplayed the incident by releasing a brief statement that mentioned a negative interaction with hotel security and local police. Once the full police report emerged, he issued a broader apology and acknowledged his struggles with alcohol.
- The first-term lawmaker representing House District 4 admitted that his behavior fell short of official responsibilities. He announced plans to seek professional assistance to address his personal challenges moving forward.
- Although Hernandez has chosen to end his campaign for the November general election, he confirmed that he will finish the remainder of his current legislative term. He represents northwestern New Mexico.
- Despite the intense public scrutiny and witness allegations regarding the hotel disturbance, Hernandez has not faced any criminal charges in connection with the July events. He stated that focusing on health and family is his top priority.
