Overview
- On Monday, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he will continue to work with Morris Katz and described Katz as a top adviser despite pressure from local Democratic Socialists of America members.
- Katz advised both Mamdani’s 2025 mayoral campaign and Graham Platner’s recent Maine Senate campaign, which collapsed after reports of a tattoo controversy, allegations of abusive behavior, and a rape accusation that led Platner to suspend his run.
- The NYC-DSA circulated a letter urging progressive campaigns and members to blacklist Katz, arguing he helped propel Platner even as damaging reports mounted.
- Katz has defended his actions, saying his team urged Platner to suspend once the rape allegation surfaced and that they worked to wind down the campaign, while media reports say Katz sought to intimidate a former Platner staffer who spoke to reporters.
- The dispute spotlights a wider debate over the power and vetting of fast-growing consultancies like Katz’s Fight Agency and could force progressives to clarify ethics rules and vendor oversight to avoid future reputational harm.