Former independent mayoral candidate Jim Walden says he is endorsing former Gov. Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor.

Walden says his decision "reflects both principle and pragmatism."

He adds that Cuomo, who is also running as an independent, "knows how to build ambitiously, and this is precisely what New York needs."

Walden dropped out of the race earlier this month but the his name will remain on the November ballot.