A top adviser to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani actively promoted the 2026 Senate candidacy of Maine Democrat Graham Platner, with the stated goal of positioning him as a presidential contender and preempting a potential run by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, according to sources. The adviser, Morris Katz, reportedly saw Platner, a Marine veteran and oyster farmer, as a more viable successor to Bernie Sanders and a stronger candidate than Ocasio-Cortez, partly because he is male, sources told The Post.
Katz had worked for approximately 10 months with other progressive operatives to elevate Platner's profile, aiming to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Around Platner's campaign launch in August 2025, Katz was quoted as saying, "The guy is so f-king talented," anticipating strong fundraising and slick advertising.
Despite facing rape accusations from an ex-girlfriend and other scandals, Platner remained a favored candidate for Katz, who viewed him as "his presidential ticket," according to one source familiar with campaign discussions. The same source suggested that Platner's path to the presidency would likely be most favorable in the 2032 election cycle. "You make this guy senator, and then you make this guy president because, in large part, Morris and like this whole sector of the left do not believe that AOC can win because she’s a woman," the source stated.
Katz has denied these claims, calling them "blatant and complete falsehoods" in a statement to The Post. He also posted on X that as soon as the rape allegations against Platner became known, his advice was for Platner to suspend his candidacy and for the campaign to be wound down. "Like so many of his supporters, I’m deeply disappointed," Katz added.
Platner's campaign was further complicated by past scandals, including reports of a tattoo of a Nazi SS symbol, offensive social media posts about veterans and sexual assault victims, and a prior allegation of physical abuse. One Democratic source expressed frustration that the campaign and Katz continued to support Platner even after these revelations, suggesting the campaign should have ended earlier, particularly following the multiple allegations from women.
Democratic power brokers ultimately played a role in Platner's withdrawal from the race on Wednesday. Platner announced his decision to suspend his bid to unseat Collins in a video message, blaming "corporate media" and "the political establishment" for derailing his campaign, rather than the allegations themselves.
Platner had previously denied the rape allegations, as well as claims of physical abuse and misconduct toward women, calling them "categorically false and politically motivated." The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee had stated on Monday that it would not invest in the Maine race after ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot detailed an accusation of rape in 2021.
Katz's firm, Fight Agency, had previously advised Mamdani on his successful New York City mayoral campaign. While some close to Mamdani reportedly expressed frustration with Katz's handling of the Platner race, others dismissed talk of a rift, citing Katz's successes in other Democratic primaries. The extent to which Platner's failed Senate bid impacts Mamdani's political brand remains unclear.
Platner's withdrawal leaves Democrats scrambling to find a viable candidate to challenge Sen. Collins in November. The narrative that Platner was being pushed as a potential presidential candidate who could appeal to the white working class and serve as Bernie Sanders' successor has drawn scrutiny, particularly in light of Ocasio-Cortez's prominent role within the progressive wing of the party. Some Democratic insiders have privately expressed concerns about Ocasio-Cortez's foreign policy experience, while others believe the party cannot afford another presidential loss.
