A likely Republican mayoral candidate told NY1 he is ready to face off against the mayor in a September primary.

Businessman John Catsimatidis said on last night’s edition of “Road to City Hall” that he has been getting a green light from Republicans to compete for the Republican Party’s nomination in this year’s mayoral race.

While Catsimatidis would not guarantee that he would challenge Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a GOP primary, he did reveal that local party leaders were supportive of his campaign.

“I’ve met with all the county leaders and they have been very supportive of me,” said Catsimatidis. “I’ve listened to their problems, I’ve gone to all their boroughs, I’ve talked to them. They have urged me to stay in the race.”

The mayor is not a member of any political party and to run as a Republican he would need the permission of three of the five county Republican leaders.

Catsimatidis, a former Democrat, is now a registered Republican and can automatically pursue the party’s nomination in a primary.

Source: NY1