Former Astronaut, Jose Hernandez, Enters The Political Race

By Michael Lopez

Watch out Marco Rubio, you may have a tough Latino contender going against you on your way to the White House. Ok, maybe we're getting a little ahead of ourselves with Jose Hernandez, but it's very possible this former astronaut could have a big career in politics.

Hernandez has decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Looking to fill the void in California's 10th District, he's already gotten the support of Barack Obama. In fact, Jose said it was the President's encouraging words that prompted him to run.

"I've worked hard and haven't taken any shortcuts, and I've got this country to thank for it," Hernandez said in a statement. "It has been possible in this country for people like me to live the American Dream, and that’s what I want to make sure I preserve."

A true trailblazer in the Latino community, Jose joined NASA in 2001 and was chosen as an astronaut candidate three years later. He took his first trip to space in 2009 and even made history as the first Spanish tweeter in orbit!

Now he's tweeting to build support for his campaign. And judging by his increasing number of followers, Hernandez could be on his way to Washington in no time.

Who is your favorite Latino politician? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, House of Representatives, Jose Hernandez, NASA, Politics, President Barack Obama