Independent Mayoral Candidate Jim Walden Suspends Campaign, Urges Unified Front Against Zohran Mamdani

New York, NY – Independent mayoral candidate Jim Walden announced on September 2, 2025, that he is suspending his campaign for New York City Mayor. The decision, effective September 3, comes with a strong call for other candidates to consolidate their efforts against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, whom Walden described as a "Trojan Horse" for City Hall. In a tweet, Walden expressed, "With my heartfelt appreciation to all those who supported me. Full statement coming soon."

Walden's withdrawal is strategically aimed at preventing a Mamdani victory in the upcoming general election. He emphasized that "in a choice between values and ambitions, values must win," stressing the need for a one-on-one race to counter Mamdani's progressive platform. The lawyer and former federal prosecutor had consistently polled around 1% in recent surveys, struggling to gain traction in a crowded field.

Earlier in his campaign, Walden had issued a "drop out challenge" to fellow independent and Republican candidates, including Mayor Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. He urged them to unite behind the most viable alternative to Mamdani based on polling data, a proposal that none formally accepted. Despite his low polling, Walden proved to be an effective fundraiser, amassing over $3 million in donations and matching funds.

The announcement drew immediate reactions from other campaigns. A spokesperson for Andrew Cuomo praised Walden for "putting ego and ambition aside," while Mayor Adams' campaign affirmed their commitment to staying in the race. Mamdani's spokesperson, Dora Pekec, framed Walden's exit as the "billionaire class" narrowing its selection process, contrasting it with Mamdani's vision for an affordable New York.

Walden, known for his background as a white-collar defense lawyer, had positioned himself as a pragmatic alternative focused on public safety and affordable housing. His departure adds another layer of complexity to the already dynamic mayoral contest, as the remaining candidates now face increased pressure to address the call for consolidation. He is reportedly exploring legal avenues to remove his name from the ballot to avoid voter confusion.