NY Dem House Candidate Posed for Explicit Photos While Serving in National Guard

Chris Gallant, the Democratic nominee challenging Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in New York's 1st Congressional District, previously appeared in explicit BDSM advertisements for a fetish store while serving in the Army National Guard. The images, which have circulated as recently as 2020, depict Gallant in bondage gear and provocative poses.

Gallant's attorney, Sara Azari, confirmed the authenticity of the photographs. She stated that they were taken during a private, consensual photo session with Gallant's then-partner and were intended for the "Mr. S Leather" store's private use. According to Azari, Gallant requested the removal of the images from the company's website as he considered a future in public service, and the store complied.

Some images, which include explicit sexual content and nudity, also appeared on third-party websites not affiliated with "Mr. S Leather." Azari clarified that Gallant's agreement with the store did not authorize unrestricted publication by third parties. Facial recognition software and distinctive physical features, such as an identical blemish on his left temple and his earlobe shape, have been used to match the racy photos to Gallant.

Gallant, 37, has served in the Army National Guard since 2006 as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. He is also a volunteer firefighter and a former air traffic controller and union leader. A photo of Gallant from a 2007 LGBTQ event on Fire Island, where he had a similar haircut to those seen in the fetish photos, has also been noted.

Azari emphasized that Gallant will not permit past photographs from a previous relationship or employment to be distorted or used to distract voters. She asserted that the images have no bearing on his record, qualifications, judgment, or ability to serve and that he remains committed to his campaign.

The race in New York's 1st Congressional District is considered a solid Republican seat. LaLota, a U.S. Navy veteran, has held the seat since 2022. Gallant won the Democratic primary after his opponent was disqualified for liking antisemitic content online.