OneCity’s William Azaroff has become the latest candidate to withdraw from Vancouver’s mayoral race, announcing Tuesday morning that he is ending his campaign in an effort to unite progressive voters ahead of the election.

In a statement, Azaroff said his decision is aimed at fulfilling a commitment made by progressive parties to support a single candidate capable of challenging incumbent Mayor Ken Sim.

“We promised Vancouverites that there would be one progressive candidate for mayor on the ballot this election,” said Azaroff. “Today, I’m keeping that promise: I have decided to end my campaign for mayor of Vancouver.”

Azaroff framed the move as part of a broader effort to consolidate support among progressive voters.

“If we want to defeat Ken Sim and ABC and change the direction of our city, progressives need to unite behind a single candidate for mayor,” he said. “It’s what the people have asked of us, and it’s what all the progressive parties committed to doing.”

His withdrawal follows a similar decision by COPE candidate Stephanie Allen, who recently ended her mayoral campaign. COPE subsequently launched a poll seeking feedback on who should become the unified progressive candidate.

Azaroff endorsed Green Party councillor Pete Fry as the mayoral candidate representing the progressive coalition and wished the remaining candidates the best in the campaign ahead.

“I want to wish the candidates who are still in the race, our incredible OneCity candidates, Pete Fry, the Greens and COPE the absolute best of luck,” he said. “I’m counting on you, and our city is counting on you.”

Despite stepping away from the mayoral contest, Azaroff emphasized that OneCity will continue to campaign in other civic races and encouraged voters to support the party’s candidates.

He said OneCity remains committed to competing for seats on city council, the school board and the park board.