Democratic Candidate Chris Gallant Confirms Past BDSM Modeling

Democratic congressional nominee Chris Gallant is facing political scrutiny after the resurfacing of promotional photographs showing him modeling BDSM and fetish gear for Mr. S Leather, a San Francisco-based retailer. The images, which were available on the store's website between 2011 and 2020, depict Gallant wearing bondage equipment and collars, with some reports indicating the photos show him nude and engaging in sexual acts with a man. This period of modeling overlapped with Gallant's service in the Army National Guard.

Gallant's attorney, Sara Azari, confirmed the authenticity of the photographs, stating they were the result of a private, consensual session with a former partner. Azari noted that Gallant requested the removal of the images once he began considering a career in public service. While Mr. S Leather honored that request, Azari stated that some images later appeared on unaffiliated adult websites without authorization.

Gallant, a former FAA air traffic controller, helicopter pilot, and volunteer firefighter, is challenging Republican incumbent Nick LaLota in New York's 1st Congressional District. Although conservative commentators have highlighted the images, Gallant's campaign maintains the story will not derail his candidacy in the solidly Republican district.