Running Against Scandal
With Mayor Eric Adams vowing to fight for re-election as he simultaneously fights a corruption indictment brought by the Manhattan U.S. attorney, he may now face yet another prosecutor — but this time as a political rival. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Walden plans to announce his candidacy for mayor, promising to run an administration that won’t find itself fielding constant subpoenas and search warrants.
"People are sick and tired of all of this nonsense," Walden told THE CITY. "They don’t want people taking bribes like in the fire department. They want people working for them."
Walden’s Anti-Corruption Plan
Walden, a registered unaffiliated independent, plans to focus on strengthening anti-corruption protocols, including aggressive vetting of top appointees, transparent procedures, and efforts to uncover whether candidates are living beyond their means.
Other Candidates in the Running
Four other prominent Democrats have already entered the race: Comptroller Brad Lander, former comptroller Scott Stringer, Assemblymember Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn), and state Sen. Jessica Ramos, D-Queens. Vigilante-turned-broadcaster Curtis Sliwa has also said he’ll run against Adams as a Republican again.
Socialist Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani (D-Queens) has also joined the race, vowing to appoint members to the Rent Guidelines Board who would freeze rent for four years. "City Hall is engulfed in corruption but it is the outrageous cost of living that most people are talking about," he said.
Cuomo’s Potential Entry
Meanwhile, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in scandal but is reportedly eyeing a run for mayor, has yet to declare his intentions. On Wednesday, his spokesperson, Rich Azzopardi, declined to reveal when or even if Cuomo would make his decision public. "This is all premature," Azzopardi said.
FAQs
Q: What is Jim Walden’s plan to combat corruption in government?
A: Walden plans to strengthen anti-corruption protocols, including aggressive vetting of top appointees, transparent procedures, and efforts to uncover whether candidates are living beyond their means.
Q: Who has already entered the race to challenge Mayor Adams?
A: Four other prominent Democrats have already entered the race: Comptroller Brad Lander, former comptroller Scott Stringer, Assemblymember Zellnor Myrie (D-Brooklyn), and state Sen. Jessica Ramos, D-Queens. Vigilante-turned-broadcaster Curtis Sliwa has also said he’ll run against Adams as a Republican again. Socialist Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani (D-Queens) has also joined the race.
Q: What is the current state of corruption in City Hall?
A: The allegations of corruption are widespread, with several high-ranking officials and donors accused of wrongdoing. The fire department has also been accused of taking bribes for expedited safety inspections.
