NYC Lawyer Jim Walden Eyes Republican Mayoral Bid, Cites Crime and Corruption Concerns

NYC Lawyer Jim Walden Eyes Republican Mayoral Bid, Cites Crime and Corruption Concerns

Edited by: Fern Sidman

A well-known New York City attorney could soon shake up the city’s mayoral race by shifting political gears and running as a Republican, following in the footsteps of former Mayors Mike Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani. According to a report that appeared on Saturday in The New York Post, Jim Walden, a hard-charging corruption-fighting lawyer, has begun meeting with local GOP leaders to explore the viability of a Republican mayoral bid.

Walden, a former federal prosecutor known for taking down mobsters, has built a strong reputation as an advocate for government accountability. He confirmed to The New York Post that he is seriously considering the switch, stating, “My goals will always be governed by common sense, but many of them align with centrist Republicans. I believe in safety as the first priority, fiscal responsibility, cutting waste, and promoting efficiency in government agencies.”

Currently an independent, Walden is known for his aggressive legal battles against New York City’s bureaucracy. According to the information provided in The New York Post report, he has previously sued the city’s Department of Education, alleging it failed to address bullying and anti-Semitism in Brooklyn high schools. His prosecutorial background and reputation as a government watchdog could make him an appealing choice for voters dissatisfied with current leadership.

If Walden officially enters the race, he will become the first serious Republican contender against Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, who is currently facing federal corruption investigations. While no major GOP candidate has yet declared a run, radio personality and Guardian Angel founder Curtis Sliwa—who lost to Adams in 2021—has expressed interest in running again.

As the report in The New York Post indicated, Walden’s potential candidacy is fueled by deep frustrations over the state of New York City politics. He has sharply criticized the Democratic establishment, saying, “As I have traveled the city and spoken to supporters, many have urged me to run as a Republican, given the terrible candidates the Democratic machine has produced: socialists, grifters, and opportunists.” His blunt rhetoric echoes the law-and-order platform that helped Giuliani and Bloomberg win elections in a historically Democratic city.

Walden has also made it clear that, if elected, he would work closely with the Trump administration on key issues affecting New York City. This statement, reported by The New York Post, suggests that Walden may be aligning himself with Trump-era policies on crime, business regulations, and government efficiency. Given Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party, such a position could help Walden secure GOP support while also energizing moderate and independent voters concerned about New York City’s rising crime and economic challenges.

At 59 years old, Walden has been politically independent since leaving the Democratic Party in 2006. According to The New York Post, his decision to step away from the party nearly two decades ago was driven by dissatisfaction with its policies. However, shifting to a Republican mayoral candidacy is a bold move, especially in a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than six to one.

If Walden officially enters the race, he will likely focus his campaign on public safety, anti-corruption efforts, and economic reforms—issues that have resonated with New York City voters in past elections. The New York Post report pointed out that, despite the city’s deep Democratic roots, voters have been willing to elect Republican or Independent mayors in the past when they perceived Democratic leadership as weak on crime or fiscal issues.

For now, New York Republicans are watching Walden closely, eager for a strong candidate to challenge Mayor Adams. As The New York Post reported, with Adams embroiled in legal troubles, the 2025 mayoral race could present a rare opportunity for the GOP to mount a serious campaign.

Whether Walden ultimately makes the leap to Republican politics remains to be seen, but The New York Post report suggested that his history of fighting corruption, his pro-law-and-order stance, and his willingness to challenge the Democratic machine could make him a formidable contender in the race for City Hall.