Democratic candidates for Mayor of New York City, from left, Christine Quinn, Bill Thompson, Erick Salgado, and Bill de Blasio participate in the first Democratic mayoral primary debate at the Town Hall, Aug. 21, 2013 in New York
Update: 11:38 a.m.
Bill Thompson, the runner-up in last week’s Democratic primaries for New York City mayor, conceded defeat Monday and endorsed Democratic front-runner Bill de Blasio.
Thompson announced his decision at press conference Monday morning, joined by de Blasio and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in an effort to show party unity. De Blasio will face Republican nominee Joe Lhota in the general elections on Nov. 5.
“I am proud to stand here today and support Bill de Blasio to be the next mayor of the City of New York,’’ Mr. Thompson said, according to the New York Times.
Thompson, who was still on the campaign trail as recently as Sunday, had previously expressed hope that recanvassing of votes would show that de Blasio did not cross the 40 percent threshold necessary to avoid a run-off. The Board of Elections was expected to release adjusted results Monday, but sources close to Thompson said he concluded that he had little chance to win even if a run-off were held, the Times reported.