In an interview, Katz defended the ads bolstering Street as his least bad option, since the two other top Democrats in that contest were likely to beat him more easily.

The Mastriano ad is “very shrewd” and “essential,” said Katz, a Shapiro ally. During campaigns, he said, “you won’t get a defining moment but maybe once — and now is that moment.”

Kirsten Noyes contributed research.

— Leah & Blake

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