New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has stated that it is time to "bring this chapter to a close" following the collapse of former Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner's campaign. Mamdani declined to comment on whether Platner's downfall reflects broader issues within the progressive movement.

During an interview with NY1's Errol Lewis, the host noted that Platner's campaign struggles had prompted a national discussion about progressives embracing a candidate deemed "simply unfit" for office. Lewis questioned if this represented an "occupational danger for progressives."

Mamdani redirected the conversation back to Platner's campaign, saying, "I think my focus right now is how do we ensure that we bring this chapter to a close and then start to write a new chapter. And I think I trust the voters of Maine to point us in the right direction."

This was not the first time Mamdani had been asked to weigh in on the Maine race. He had previously stated during a news conference that it was "time for him to drop out of the race."

Mamdani also indicated that he does not plan to become involved in elections outside of New York City, noting, "The endorsements I’ve made have all been right here in New York City." He previously endorsed Claire Valdez, Brad Lander, and Darializa Avila Chevalier for Congress, all of whom won their races.

While Mamdani did not officially endorse Platner, the two campaigns shared a connection through Morris Katz, a key advisor to Mamdani, who had assisted in launching Platner's campaign before joining the New York City administration.

Platner's campaign was marred by several scandals. Initial controversy arose over a tattoo of a Nazi symbol, a "Totenkopf," on his chest. Platner denied knowledge of the symbol's meaning and had it covered, but Lyndsey Fifield told The New York Times that Platner had referred to it as "my Totenkopf" and taught her its name.

Further allegations regarding Platner's past conduct with partners were detailed in a recent New York Times article. While some women offered favorable views, the article also included accusations from Fifield, Jenny Racicot, and another individual.

Racicot's allegations, published by Politico, described an incident in 2021 where she claimed Platner entered her home while intoxicated and raped her. Platner denied the accusations. The fallout from these allegations led several prominent Democrats who had previously supported Platner, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Sen. Ruben Gallego, to distance themselves from his campaign.

Platner suspended his campaign on Wednesday, stating in a social media video, "for the movement to continue, it can’t be me."