Democratic House hopeful Chris Gallant’s past BDSM modeling resurfaces during campaign

Chris Gallant, 37, the Democratic nominee challenging Rep. Nick LaLota in New York’s 1st Congressional District, previously modeled BDSM apparel for the San-Francisco-based fetish retailer Mr. S Leather. The photos, featuring collars, straps and other bondage items, were posted online from 2011 until 2020 and later archived. Gallant’s lawyer, Sara Azari, explained the shoot was private, consensual, and intended for limited use by the shop, which complied with Gallant’s later request to remove the images.

Unaffiliated gay porn sites later displayed some of the pictures, but Azari maintains Gallant never gave permission for unrestricted sharing. Gallant also serves as an Army National Guard Black Hawk pilot, volunteer firefighter, former FAA air traffic controller and union leader. He says the images are unrelated to his qualifications or policy positions and will not distract voters from the campaign’s issues.