Dem Candidate's Campaign Mailer Winks at Past as Fetish Model

Supporters of Democratic congressional candidate Chris Gallant are employing his past as a fetish gear model to promote his campaign against incumbent Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY). A recent campaign mailer sent by the PAC Knock Every Door uses language that references bondage and submissiveness, terms associated with Gallant's prior work.

The mailer features the slogan, "Washington has gone to the attack dogs. It's time for Long Island to send a Good Boy to Congress," with "Good Boy" emphasized. The reverse side includes imagery of a dog tag and a collar with a heart, accompanied by text touting the candidate as "Loyal, Trained, Comes When Called" and "Guards Home." It also lists his accomplishments, such as enlisting as an Army pilot at 17.

Gallant, 37, previously appeared in images for "Mr. S Leather," a San Francisco-based vendor of fetish supplies. Photos from this period depict him wearing items such as collars and leather straps. The New York Post reported that when these images gained attention, Gallant told The New York Times, "I make Christian Grey look like amateur hour."

![A political campaign mailer for Chris Gallant featuring a photo of the candidate with his arms crossed next to text that reads, "Washington has enough attack dogs. It's time for Long Island to send a good boy to congress."]( "A political campaign mailer for Chris Gallant featuring a photo of the candidate with his arms crossed next to text that reads, "Washington has enough attack dogs. It's time for Long Island to send a good boy to congress." )

A Democratic insider, who supports Gallant, noted that "Good Boy" is recognized as sex slang for someone obedient in bondage. While the insider stated this wouldn't change their vote, they acknowledged that "It doesn't really help his cause in suburban Suffolk County!"

Gallant's lawyer previously addressed the photographs, stating they were authentic and taken during a private, consensual session with a former partner. The lawyer also noted Gallant's friendship with the owner of Mr. S Leather and that the shoot was intended to be personal, with the understanding that select images might be used by the company.

Gallant, an Army National Guard member since 2006, also serves as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot and a volunteer firefighter. His campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the mailer.