Independent Mayoral Candidate Jim Walden on Underdogs and the November Election

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2025
Contact: sara@jimfornyc.com

 

NEW YORK (June 25, 2025) –  Independent Mayoral Candidate Jim Walden released the following statement on Wednesday.

I am the underdog in this race. And last night, we all saw the folly of counting out an underdog. Especially in New York City.

When New Yorkers get to know me, they will see I am different.  Not just my origins, but how I define myself and what my campaign stands for.

For 30 years, I have fought for “Good Government.”  First and foremost, that means integrity, which is why I’m running on the Integrity Party.  For that reason, I vowed to get special interests and corruption out of City Hall.  I disavowed PAC money for that reason.  Keeping my promises animates everything I do and everything I am.  So, my plans as Mayor are based on good policy, not politics–which gives me a big tent that includes Democrats, Republican and independent supporters, who have helped me to raise $3 million for my campaign.  I’m the only candidate who can unite all New Yorkers and stop Zohran Mamdani from radicalizing City Hall.

I’m promising realistic, moderate change for all New Yorkers. I’m not selling unfundable and unrealistic socialist fantasies. I have not switched positions on topics of importance, like safety and anti-semitism.  And my record of fighting for justice through litigation and advocacy –  for people from every walk of life – is something that defines me. My legal resume is expansive, longstanding, multi-disciplinary and has exposed me to more policy issues than most candidates.

At bottom, I have always been pro-safety, anti-corruption and allergic to special interests – on the right or the left.  And my plans and policies lack any party’s agenda. They are all about excellence in government and service to New Yorkers.

My path of service comes from a pure place.  I have been candid about the challenges I faced growing up.  I channel that experience into a keen desire to help others.  That fire still burns bright in me.  I will carry it into City Hall.

I congratulate all the Democrats for a spirited primary race, especially the winner, Zohran Mamdani. We all want a better New York. We just have radically different visions for what that means.

 

For more information, see www.jimfornyc.com and @jimfornyc on X, Instagram and BlueSky.  For questions or interviews, please contact Sara Silver, sara@jimfornyc.com  646.705.3286.