Upstate New York congressional candidate Aaron Gies, a Democrat, is facing criticism from his Republican opponent for associating with his brother-in-law, Christopher Nathan White, who has a conviction for rape and sex offenses against minors. Gies is challenging two-term Republican Rep. Nick Langworthy in New York's 23rd House district.
White, a registered Level 2 Sex Offender in New York, was present at a Dec. 26, 2025, "Polar Plunge" campaign event for Gies. White, a former North Carolina teacher, served five years in prison after being convicted of one count of rape and two counts of sex offense against students aged 15 and 17.
Gies told The Post that White is not part of his official campaign but acknowledged his presence at the event. "He did his time for his crime," Gies stated, characterizing White's presence as a "distraction" from his campaign focus on healthcare and housing.
The candidate also noted he has not been accused of any wrongdoing and has not covered up any criminal acts by others. Gies, a theology professor at St. Bonaventure University, had recently publicly called for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to withdraw from his race due to allegations of rape and sexual assault. Gies had also criticized Langworthy for allegedly obstructing accountability related to the Epstein files.
Langworthy, the incumbent Republican, condemned Gies' judgment. "To bring a convicted sex offender and someone guilty of second-degree rape of a minor to campaign events is deeply, deeply disturbing and shows an alarming lack of judgment for any adult, let alone someone seeking public office," Langworthy said. He added that members of Congress have a responsibility to protect victims and children.
White now works at a veterinary clinic in Olean, New York, operated by Gies' wife and sister. Retired Marine Chris Hahn, who attended the Polar Plunge event with his daughter, expressed unease upon learning of White's involvement. "I was shocked to see someone like that would be on the campaign trail—brother-in-law or not," Hahn said.
New York's 23rd Congressional District has more registered Republicans than Democrats, though a significant number of voters are unaffiliated. According to state Board of Elections enrollment figures, there are 209,390 registered Republicans, 144,342 Democrats, and 132,176 unaffiliated voters in the district.
