Jim Walden: Dossier on New York City Mayoral Candidate

The race for New York City mayor has begun – the election will be held on November 4, 2025. New York ForumDaily will tell you more about each of the candidates for mayor of the city. Jim Walden is the next candidate whose prospects we will consider.

Jim Walden

Walden wants to root out corruption in New York City, create jobs and solve housing problems through public-private partnerships.

Position today: partner at Walden Macht Haran & Williams.

Ideological position: independent with a militant streak.

Main supporters: New York Public Service Retirees, former prosecutors including former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Richard Donoghue.

He initially started with the support of David Paterson, but their paths diverged.

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Fundraising: $630 in private donations and a $214 loan to his campaign as of January 500. He has not yet qualified for matching funds.

Location: Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn.

Problems: Outsider candidates often face external challenges. Walden launched his mayoral campaign as an independent — though he hasn't completely ruled out running on a major party line.

Prospects: Founding partner of Walden Macht Haran & Williams is a first-time political candidate whose legal career nonetheless makes him familiar with the major players and systems in New York City politics. Walden highlighted his litigation victories for the New York City Housing Authority and his experience fighting the mob as an Eastern District attorney.

Walden faces an uphill battle to win. He is putting together a platform that so far has leaned heavily on his proposal to root out corruption. Walden wants to build more bike lanes and expand the NYPD. He is also suing to allow the words “independent” and “independence” back on the ballot.

Dossiers on other candidates:

• Eric Adams;
• Andrew Cuomo;
• Jessica Ramos;
• Brad Lander;
• Scott Stringer;
• Zellnor Miri;
• Zohran Mamdani;
• Adrienne Adams;
• Michael Blake.