Jim Walden may run for NYC mayor as Republican to beat Democrats

A hard-charging NYC lawyer may follow in the footsteps of ex-mayors Mike Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani by shifting course to run as a Republican, The Post has learned.

Jim Walden, currently an independent who vows to fight corruption in NYC government, has started meeting with local GOP leaders to seek their support, he confirmed.

“My goals will always be governed by common sense,” Walden said. “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.”

Mayor Adams faces challengers from a field of Democrats, but no other Republican so far. Andrew Schwartz / SplashNews.com

No Republican has yet declared their candidacy for mayor, although radio personality and Guardian Angel Curtis Sliwa has said he plans to run.

Seven others are challenging Mayor Adams, who is trying to convince the feds to drop corruption charges against him.

“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,” Walden told The Post.

Walden vows “to collaborate with the Trump administration on issues that matter to NYC,” he said.

Ex-Democrats Mike Bloomberg and Rudy Giuliani switched parties to run for mayor as Republicans. AP

A former federal prosecutor who took down mobsters, Walden has sued the city Department of Education over accusations it failed to address bullying, and for alleged antisemitism in a Brooklyn high school.

Walden, 59, left the Democratic party in 2006.