BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mayor Byron Brown is speaking out regarding rumored support from Buffalo businessman and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino.

Brown releasing a statement Sunday saying, in part "I am grateful for and humbled by the widespread support and encouragement I have received over the past several days from residents across Buffalo. However, I want to be very clear that I did not seek--nor will I accept-- support in any form, should I decide to pursue a write-in campaign, from Carl Paladino."

This comes after Paladino had some harsh words for India Walton's presumed win in the Buffalo Democratic mayoral primary.

"Whatever comes along in the future that I can help in an effort to take her down, I will," Paladino said.

Walton issued a statement on Sunday in response, accusing Brown of using Paladino's name to drum up support against her:

“Byron Brown was willing to name Carl Paladino amongst his supporters just two days ago as he was shamelessly smearing my name. By refusing to concede after the votes were counted on Tuesday in our favor, our current mayor has ignored the will of the voters and opened the door to the dark side of politics when we should be working towards a collaborative and respectful transition of power.

We appreciate the amazing outpouring of support from so many Buffalonians as well as elected officials at the local, state and federal level who are eager to work together for the betterment of our city. We are hearing loud and clear that people want to see a new kind of leadership in Buffalo that listens to and represents everyday people, and we’re not letting up.”

Paladino served as a state co-chair in former President Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign in New York. He previously served on the Buffalo Board of Education. The State Education Commissioner removed Paladino in 2017 for releasing classified information from a closed-door session. Local parents and advocates also pushed for Paladino's removal after he made derogatory comments about President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.