Low-polling impartial legal professional Jim Walden turned the primary candidate to drop out of the mayoral normal election on Tuesday in an effort to dam Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani from the mayoralty by attempting to make the race a one-on-one match.
Walden, in an announcement, stated his transfer stems from his earlier proposal in July for the candidates who usually are not polling second to Mamdani to drop out of the race and assist the one who’s. The technique is important, he stated, to forestall the democratic socialist Mamdani from successful in November.
The legal professional argued that Mamdani’s democratic socialist views, previous assist for defunding the police, and fierce criticism of Israel make him too excessive to be mayor — although Mamdani says he has moderated on a few of these positions.
In bowing out Tuesday, Walden implored his fellow “free market candidates” to comply with his lead. These different contenders embrace former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who’re each operating as independents, in addition to Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
“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. “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.”
Though Walden raised almost $4 million in non-public and public funds mixed throughout this election cycle, his candidacy by no means gained traction, having by no means damaged above 2% within the polls.
Cuomo, who misplaced to Mamdani within the Democratic major however has been polling second to him all through the final election, applauded Walden’s choice to withdraw from the race through his spokesperson, Wealthy Azzopardi, on Tuesday night.
“Today Jim Walden put ego and ambition aside for the good of New York City,” Azzopardi stated in an announcement. “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.”
The previous governor was an early proponent of Walden’s proposal that the anti-Mamdani candidates consolidate to defeat the democratic socialist.
Nevertheless, Mayor Adams, who has been coming in fourth place behind Sliwa in most polls, stated he has no intention of dropping out.
“While others may choose to exit the race, Mayor Adams is focused on the future — delivering results and leading this city forward,” stated Todd Shapiro, Adams’ marketing campaign spokesperson, in an announcement. “We are confident millions of New Yorkers will proudly stand with him at the polls.”
Sliwa’s spokesperson, Maria Sliwa, didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
In the meantime, Mamdani’s marketing campaign press secretary Dora Pekec forged Walden’s exit as additional proof of the billionaire class making an attempt to cease his candidacy.
“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,” Pekec stated.
