DSA Members Demand Drop of Morris Katz and Fight Agency Over Graham Platner Campaign

On July 10, 2026, roughly 300 members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) signed a letter urging DSA candidates and elected officials to cease working with consultant Morris Katz and his firm Fight Agency. The signatories argue that the duo’s continued promotion of former Senate candidate Graham Platner—whose campaign in Maine collapsed amid revelations of a Nazi-symbol tattoo and allegations of domestic-violence and sexual-assault accusations—has damaged the organization’s reputation and jeopardized efforts to unseat incumbent Senator Susan Collins.

New York Times

Graham Platner’s Senate bid in Maine was managed by Katz and Fight Agency, the same consultants who previously assisted Senator John Fetterman. Platner’s campaign was abandoned after scandalous personal details emerged, prompting criticism from progressive activists who view the consultants’ tactics as exploiting working-class aspirations. Within the DSA, the controversy has placed prominent members, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, in a difficult position because of their prior collaboration with Katz.

New York Times

The letter, first reported by The Intercept, denounces Katz for “promoting Mr. Platner even as troubling information about his past emerged.” It contends that the consultants’ actions “undermined the broader fight for Democrats to win the Senate” and have “dealt a significant blow to the effort to defeat Susan Collins.” The signatories call for DSA officials to distance the organization from Katz and Fight Agency to preserve its progressive credibility.

New York Times

Critics within the DSA assert that Katz’s continued involvement represents “a disastrous decision” that elevates a candidate with extremist symbols and serious misconduct allegations. They further claim this is “not the first time Katz and Fight Agency have appropriated the American working class’s burgeoning desire for authentic champions,” suggesting a pattern of opportunistic campaigning that conflicts with DSA values.

New York Times

• “This disastrous decision not only elevated a man with a Nazi tattoo and accusations of domestic violence and sexual assault to a position of power, but has dealt a significant blow to the effort to defeat Susan Collins,” — Letter signatories

New York Times

• “This is not the first time Katz and Fight Agency have appropriated the American working class’s burgeoning desire for authentic champions.” — Letter signatories

New York Times