Mamdani Adviser's Past Tweets Reveal Moderate Leanings

Morris Katz, 26, was once critical of Bernie Sanders and praised Andrew Cuomo

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:40pm

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Morris Katz, a 26-year-old political adviser to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was revealed to have expressed more moderate political views in the past, including criticizing progressive icon Bernie Sanders and praising former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Katz's old social media posts, which have since been deleted, show he was once far less aligned with Mamdani's proudly socialist platform.

Why it matters

The revelations about Katz's past political leanings raise questions about the authenticity of Mamdani's progressive agenda and the role of young, influential advisers who may have undergone significant ideological shifts. As Mamdani's top strategist, Katz's previous moderate stances could undermine the mayor's left-wing credentials.

The details

According to a Politico report, Katz had dismissed Sanders as inferior to the more moderate Pete Buttigieg in a 2020 tweet, writing: 'Caught between a socialist and an oligarch, @PeteButtigieg looks better every day.' Katz also praised then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, who would later run against Mamdani in the 2025 mayoral election, as 'competent.' Additionally, Katz appeared to view former Mayor Bill de Blasio, whom Mamdani has identified as his favorite living NYC mayor, as incompetent.

  • In February 2020, Katz posted the tweet criticizing Sanders and praising Buttigieg.

The players

Morris Katz

A 26-year-old political adviser who is considered one of the 'masterminds' behind Mayor Zohran Mamdani's successful campaign, but was previously more moderate in his political views.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, known for his proudly socialist platform.

Bernie Sanders

A socialist Vermont senator who is considered a hero by Mamdani.

Pete Buttigieg

A moderate Democratic politician whom Katz praised in 2020 as superior to the more progressive Sanders.

Andrew Cuomo

The former governor of New York who later ran against Mamdani in the 2025 mayoral election, and was praised by Katz as 'competent.'

Bill de Blasio

The former mayor of New York City, whom Mamdani has identified as his favorite living NYC mayor, but was criticized by Katz as 'incompetent.'

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What they’re saying

“Before I was old enough to drink, I had not yet honed all of my political beliefs and occasionally tweeted things I obviously don't agree with anymore.”

— Morris Katz

The takeaway

The revelations about Morris Katz's past political views raise questions about the authenticity of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's progressive agenda and the role of influential young advisers who may have undergone significant ideological shifts. As Mamdani's top strategist, Katz's previous moderate stances could undermine the mayor's left-wing credentials.