Platner, the Democratic nominee challenging longtime Republican Sen. Susan Collins, has refused to step aside despite a bombshell accusation from ex-girlfriend Jenny Racicot, who claims he entered her home uninvited in 2021 while drunk and raped her despite her repeated protests. Platner denies all allegations of sexual assault or misconduct.
The New York Post reporta that, in a scene straight out of a political thriller, Morris Katz — the 'silver-spoon socialist fixer and close adviser to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani' — rushed to Platner’s side to help strategize how the candidate can “remain a voice” in the race no matter what. Joining them were top campaign officials, including campaign manager Ben Chin, field director Spencer Toth, digital consultant Ryan Aquilina, and deputy Eleni Neyland.
Maine Democrats and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) are reportedly “in shock” and “livid” at the delay. The party has a Monday deadline to get Platner off the ballot so they can name a replacement. Platner’s team is reportedly pushing for guarantees that any new nominee will stick to his far-left agenda.
One source familiar with the talks told the New York Post that the involvement of Mamdani’s adviser has everyone particularly irritated: “The fact that the NYC mayor’s fixer is headed there to triage Maine has everyone fuming.”
Platner won the primary with over 150,000 votes despite a string of prior scandals, including allegations of aggressive behavior toward women, sexting while married, and a tattoo some described as having Nazi links. Prominent backers who once stood by him — including Sens. Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Ro Khanna — have now called for him to exit.
While Platner’s campaign insists they’re only seeking clarity on the replacement process, state Democrats accuse his team of trying to “put their thumb on the scale.” The whole situation has turned what was supposed to be a prime Democratic pickup opportunity against Susan Collins into an embarrassing political dumpster fire.
The clock is ticking. Maine Democrats now face the messy task of replacing their nominee while Platner and his inner circle huddle to negotiate the terms of his departure — if he departs at all.
