SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — He tried to hide it before running for office, but a man running for Congress in New York couldn’t keep the secret long enough to reach the November election.
Chris Gallant, the Democratic nominee challenging Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in New York’s 1st Congressional District, previously appeared in explicit homosexual BDSM-themed photographs used to advertise products for a San Francisco fetish retailer, according to a published report.
Some of those photos show Gallant wearing leather collars, headgear, and nude in sexual positions and erotic poses including X-rate sex scenes.
The New York Post reported that Gallant modeled collars, leather straps, bondage equipment and other products for Mr. S Leather. Archived versions of the retailer’s website reportedly show the photographs appearing online between 2011 and 2020.
Some images reportedly showed Gallant nude and engaged in sexual activity with another man.
Attorney confirms photographs are authentic
Gallant’s attorney, Sara Azari, confirmed that the photographs are authentic but said they originated during a private and consensual session with a former partner.
“The photographs are authentic and were taken during a private, consensual photo session involving Chris and his then-partner, with whom he was in a committed four-year relationship,” Azari told the newspaper.
Azari said Gallant knew the retailer’s owner and had granted limited permission for some images to be used commercially. She said additional websites later displayed the material without Gallant’s permission.
Gallant sought to have the photographs removed after entering politics, according to his attorney.
“He will not allow photographs from a past relationship or employment to be distorted and weaponized for political purposes or used to distract voters from the issues that matter,” Azari said.
“These photographs have no bearing on Chris’s record, qualifications, judgment, or ability to serve,” she added.
Gallant faces Republican Nick LaLota
Gallant, 37, won the Democratic nomination after defeating Lukas Ventouras in the June primary. He is now running against LaLota, a two-term Republican and Navy veteran.
New York’s 1st Congressional District covers eastern Long Island and portions of Suffolk County.
Gallant’s campaign biography identifies him as an Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter pilot, volunteer firefighter and former Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controller.
He joined the Army after the Sept. 11 attacks and later deployed to Kuwait as an air traffic controller. Gallant also served as a National Air Traffic Controllers Association local union president.
His campaign has received support from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Rep. Pat Ryan and VoteVets.
Personal photographs enter congressional race
The disclosure adds a deeply personal issue to a congressional campaign expected to center on affordability, immigration, national security and control of the House.
Gallant’s attorney accused political opponents of attempting to weaponize material from a past relationship. The candidate has not withdrawn from the race and remains the Democratic nominee.
LaLota has represented the district since 2023, succeeding Lee Zeldin. The race is part of Shore News Network’s continuing coverage of New York politics and the 2026 elections.