The Independence Party has selected Adolfo Carrion, the former borough president of the Bronx, as their candidate for mayor. NY1's Courtney Gross filed the following report.

Behind closed doors, members of the city's Independence Party selected Adolfo Carrion as their candidate for mayor.

The nod gives the former Bronx borough president, the former member of the Obama Administration and the former Democrat an official spot on the ballot this fall as an Independent.

The longtime Democrat left his party in anticipation of a run for City Hall, and he has been courting the Independence Party ever since.

"Mr. Carrion is the kind of leader who won't be deterred," said Jacqueline Salit, an Independence Party activist.

Carrion said he is targeting his candidacy at those who aren't Democrats or Republicans, but the New Yorkers who don't vote at all.

"Less than 30 percent of the electorate shows up to vote," he said.

The Independence Party has been instrumental in getting another elected official into office, but it has had its fair share of scandal.

Leaders have connections with a controversial form of therapy, and one has made anti-Semitic remarks in the past.

Carrion brushed off any criticism of the party.

"I am glad to join the ranks of Michael Bloomberg, and George Pataki, and Andrew Cuomo, and Eric Schneiderman, and Kirsten Gillibrand in embracing the endorsement of the Independence Party," he said.

Carrion is still hoping to secure a spot on the Republican ticket, but he has not clinched a majority of support from the GOP party chairmen.

"I would welcome it," he said. "It would give us an opportunity to amplify our message. It would give us an opportunity to discuss issues in a primary."

Carrion has an uphill climb, especially if he doesn't secure another line on this fall's ballot. The last time anyone was elected mayor solely on a third-party line was John Lindsay in 1969.