In 1998, at the age of 23, Hernández was elected to the Rowland Unified School Board and implemented community service graduation requirements as well as a parent empowerment program.

[2] After being served with a restraining order for domestic violence during divorce proceedings and during his run for his congressional campaign, Hernández was stripped of his committee assignments.

[citation needed] The former West Covina public information officer and city manager sued Hernández, alleging a hostile work environment in 2012; this was rejected by a jury.

A city councilmember in Baldwin Park, Rubio claimed that during their marriage Hernández physically attacked and assaulted her, providing photos showing scratches and bruises.

[9] In 2007, West Covina police responded to Hernández's home after a neighbor reported hearing a loud argument and "someone getting slammed around with a male and female yelling," but no charges were filed.