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Garodnick's move helps clear the field for Stringer, who is now the only Democrat vying for the position.

"I am ending my campaign today and I am proud to support Scott Stringer," Garodnick said.

Garodnick first jumped into the race in April. He had insisted that he would stay in despite Stringer's recent entry.

But now he is going to run for re-election, and is expected to make a play to become the next City Council Speaker.

"I'm surprised Dan dropped out so quickly, but I am sure he knows what is best for his own future," current City Comptroller John Liu said.

Liu, a Democrat, is a likely candidate for mayor.

City Councilman Domenic Recchia, who chairs the council's finance committee, may jump into the comptroller's race as well. He may also run for Brooklyn borough president.

Hank Sheinkopf, a political consultant who works for Recchia, said Garodnick's move was an obvious attempt to fix the election. He likened it to Tammany Hall-style politics.

"Open elections with lots of candidates are what make New York and politics work," Sheinkopf said.

A spokesman for Garodnick dismissed the criticism as ridiculous. Stringer said he expects a competitive campaign.

"I'm going to run for comptroller with Dan Garodnick's support against anyone who will run," Stringer said. "I do expect a robust primary."

At this point, there are no other declared candidates for city comptroller. So Stringer has the race all to himself.