William C. Thompson Jr./ Bill Thompson Campaign

Thompson endorsed de Blasio at a news conference stating, “I am proud to stand here today and support Bill de Blasio to be the next mayor of the city of New York.”

While Thompson and his former opponent de Blasio ran on different platforms, Thompson said that they both share the same vision, “to move our city forward in the same direction.”  The two men were also joined by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and touted unity across the Democratic Party.

Thompson’s withdrawal marks the start of the November 5th general election contest. Bill de Blasio, who is currently the city’s elected public advocate will face the Republican nominee, Joseph J. Lhoto.

Although Lhota served as chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for Governor Cuomo’s cabinet, Cuomo said he would endorse de Blasio in the general election.

Lhota is expected to address de Blasio’s nomination Monday afternoon. Adolfo Carrion Jr., former borough president of the Bronx, will be the independent candidate for the November ballot.

Read more at Fox News.

Reach Executive Producer Rachel Scott here. Follow her on Twitter here.