Independent New York City mayoral candidate Jim Walden has dropped out of the race and called on other candidates to follow his lead to take down Zohran Mamdani.
Those opposed to the leading Democrat nominee, who considers himself a democratic socialist, have expressed concern that the vote could be split in the upcoming contest.
He said in a statement posted on the social platform X on Tuesday that his values must win out in a battle with his own ambitions.
“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 said, seemingly referencing Mamdani. “I cannot spend more public money in the futile hope I am the one called to battle.”
Walden, who previously served as an assistant U.S. attorney, had been near the bottom in polls, averaging just more than 1 percent, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ. In a multiperson race that includes bigger names like Zohran Mamdani, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and sitting Mayor Eric Adams, Walden struggled to break through and rally support to his campaign.
Walden dropping out won’t likely shake up the polls significantly as he was only receiving a couple percentage points of support.
The Independent candidate has previously called on other candidates who are not securing enough percentage points in the race to drop out and coalesce around a candidate to take down Mamdani. Independent candidate Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa have been consistent that they will not drop out.
However, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has regularly polled in second, has said Walden’s proposal should be considered.
Cuomo campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi praised Walden’s decision to suspend his campaign.
“Today Jim Walden put ego and ambition aside for the good of New York City,” he said. “His decision underscores the existential threat our city faces in Zohran Mamdani—a dangerously inexperienced 33-year-old socialist with no meaningful work experience, no record of governing or accomplishment, and a reckless ideology that would jeopardize public safety, economic growth, and the very future of New York City.”
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