Congressional candidate modelled BDSM gear before turning to politics – and honestly, good for him
Chris Gallant is running in New York’s First Congressional District. (Instagram/@gallantny)
A New York Democratic congressional candidate is facing attention over a very unexpected part of his past.
Chris Gallant, 37, who is running against Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in New York’s First Congressional District, previously appeared in BDSM-themed promotional photos for San Francisco fetish retailer Mr S Leather.
According to the New York Post, the images were taken between 2011 and 2020, while Gallant was also serving in the Army National Guard. He reportedly appeared in photos modelling leather, bondage and other fetish gear for the store.
Gallant’s attorney confirmed that the images are authentic, but said they came from a private and consensual photoshoot involving Gallant and his then-partner. The attorney said Gallant later asked for the images to be removed when he began considering a future in public service, and the retailer complied.
Some of the images have since appeared on third-party adult websites without Gallant’s permission.
His attorney has pushed back against the story being used politically, arguing that Gallant’s previous relationship and modelling work have no bearing on his qualifications or ability to serve in Congress.
Gallant is continuing his campaign against LaLota in the upcoming race.
According to the New York Post, the Republican-held district is considered a difficult one for Democrats to flip.
