Independent New York City mayoral candidate Jim Walden has dropped out of the race, urging unity to defeat Zohran Mamdani. 

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 Mamdani, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and sitting Mayor Eric Adams, Walden struggled to break through and rally support to his campaign. 

But Walden’s move is a first, if small, step toward attempting to coalesce opposition to Mamdani ahead of the general election in November. 

Walden had first said that whichever candidate is polling the best against Mamdani in September should face him in a head-to-head contest, and the other candidates should get out of the way. 

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’s decision is the first concrete step toward the goal that some Mamdani critics have called for. Those opposed to the Democratic nominee, who considers himself a democratic socialist, have expressed concern that the vote could be split among Cuomo, Adams, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and Walden. 

But in effect, Walden dropping out won’t likely shake up the polls significantly as he was only receiving a couple percentage points of support.

Cuomo, who has regularly polled in second, has said Walden’s proposal should be considered. Adams and Sliwa have been consistent that they will not drop out.

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.”

Mamdani campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec said support for the campaign is growing as the “billionaire class” attempts to organize opposition to him.