Morris Katz, a political strategist known for his work with Mayor Mamdani and Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, has issued an apology following the implosion of Platner's campaign, which was derailed by accusations of rape and past offensive remarks.
In an interview, Katz acknowledged the campaign's missteps but argued that a "standard vetting process" would not have uncovered the rape allegation made by Platner's ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot. However, he conceded that Platner's past Reddit posts, which included disparaging remarks about a Purple Heart recipient and comments advising sexual assault victims to "take some responsibility," should have been a "red line." Katz also noted that Platner's now-covered Totenkopf tattoo, a Nazi SS symbol, should have raised further concerns.
Platner, who had to apologize for the Reddit posts and cover the tattoo, maintained that Racicot's allegations were not credible, a stance that contrasts with Katz's own remarks. Platner had previously faced accusations of physical abuse from another ex-girlfriend, Lyndsey Fifield.
The handling of Platner's vetting has drawn sharp criticism, with one former campaign official calling Katz a "twerp from Tribeca." This former ally suggested that more information about Katz's failure to thoroughly vet Platner before endorsing his candidacy against Republican Sen. Susan Collins might emerge.
Katz also addressed the departure of Platner's former campaign manager, Genevieve McDonald. McDonald had revealed that Platner's wife, Amy Gertner, had informed the campaign about Platner's extramarital sexting with at least six women. Katz expressed frustration that Amy Gertner's trust was violated. McDonald, in turn, fired back on social media, warning Katz to stop mentioning her name and implying she could reveal details about who knew what and when during the campaign.
Katz admitted that much of the criticism directed at his firm, The Fight Agency, for the Platner campaign's vetting failures is "fully valid." He stated, "I think, obviously, I did not see it soon enough." The Fight Agency has previously worked on campaigns for working-class candidates in New York City.
Federal Election Commission filings did not show direct payments to Katz or his firm partner for their extensive work on the Platner campaign, which included producing over 40 ads. The campaign itself spent over $10 million on advertising, ad production, and digital consulting with other firms between August 2025 and May 2026.