Unbiased NYC mayoral candidate Jim Walden introduced Tuesday he’s dropping out of the race, and urged different candidates to do the identical within the hopes of defeating Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
Walden, an legal professional, stated it’s time for the others within the race to observe swimsuit and consolidate behind one candidate with a purpose to arrange a face to face match with the progressive Mamdani, whose pro-Palestinian positions and help for tax hikes to fund an affordability agenda has sparked blowback.
The opposite candidates now within the race are Mayor Eric Adams and former Gov, Andrew Cuomo, each operating an independents; and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Most polls present Mamdani successful handily towards a divided subject.
“For months I have been steadfast in my view that, unless there is a one-on-one race in November, a Trojan Horse will take control of City Hall,” Walden stated in an announcement. “I can’t spend extra public cash within the futile hope I’m the one referred to as to battle.
“For those still trailing in the polls by month’s end, I implore each to consider how history will judge them if they allow vanity or stubborn ambition to usher in Mr. Mamdani.”
Walden had beforehand pledged to help whoever was the strongest challenger to Mamdani come the tip of the month. The previous prosecutor himself has been polling at round 1%.
Cuomo has taken an identical stand, saying he or Adams — whoever is trailing within the polls- ought to drop out to keep away from splitting the extra average vote. Adams has soundly rejected the concept.
Walden had up to now acquired $2.3 million via the town’s 8-to-1 public matching funds program, and he nonetheless has nonetheless has $1.2 million in his marketing campaign coffers. Per Marketing campaign Finance Board guidelines, Walden will doubtless be required to pay again these matching funds.
“Today Jim Walden put ego and ambition aside for the good of New York City,” Wealthy Azzopardi, Cuomo’s spokesperson, stated in an announcement, including {that a} Mamdani mayoralty poses an “existential threat” to New York Metropolis.
Todd Shapiro, a spokesperson for Adams, stated the marketing campaign respects Walden’s option to drop out however stated Adams continues to be within the race.
“While others may choose to exit the race, Mayor Adams is focused on the future — delivering results and leading this city forward. We are confident millions of New Yorkers will proudly stand with him at the polls,” he stated.
“While support of Zohran’s vision for an affordable New York continues to grow across all five boroughs, the billionaire class is narrowing their selection process — and Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams are pulling out all the stops to charm them alongside Donald Trump,” Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for Mamdani, stated.
It’s unclear if Walden’s identify will stay on the poll in November.
Initially Printed: September 2, 2025 at 4:56 PM EDT
