Democratic congressional nominee Chris Gallant’s past BDSM modeling surfaces

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 14, 2026

Democratic congressional candidate Chris Gallant faced scrutiny after images from past fetish modeling sessions, including explicit content, were linked to him using facial recognition. The revelation is significant as it intersects with his military service and may impact his campaign against Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in Long Island.

Democratic congressional nominee Chris Gallant, who is challenging Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in Long Island, has come under scrutiny due to his past involvement in fetish modeling. Gallant, 37, previously posed for promotional materials for Mr. S Leather, a San Francisco-based retailer specializing in leather and BDSM gear. The images, which featured Gallant wearing collars, leather straps, neoprene, and other bondage items, were published on the company’s website between 2011 and 2020 and remain accessible through internet archives.

Gallant’s attorney, Sara Azari, confirmed the authenticity of the photographs, explaining that they were produced during a private, consensual photo shoot with Gallant’s then-partner, with whom he was in a committed relationship lasting four years. The shoot was described as a personal and enjoyable experience, conducted with the agreement that selected images could be used by Mr. S Leather in connection with its products. Azari also noted that Gallant was friends with the owner of the company.

As Gallant began considering a career in public service, he requested that the photographs be removed from the retailer’s website, a request Mr. S Leather honored. The attorney further stated that Gallant never agreed to allow unrestricted distribution of the images, which have also appeared on unrelated adult websites. Facial recognition analysis was used to connect the images back to Gallant, supported by consistent physical markers such as a distinctive blemish on his left temple and his earlobe shape.

Some of the photos show Gallant in explicit adult content, including scenes of full nudity and sexual activity with another man. A separate image from 2007, depicting Gallant at an LGBTQ festival on Fire Island, shows a similar hairstyle to that in the fetish images. According to his LinkedIn profile, Gallant has served as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the Army National Guard since 2006, suggesting an overlap between his military service and the time he participated in the photo sessions.

Azari emphasized that the photographs do not reflect on Gallant’s record, qualifications, judgment, or ability to serve in public office. The campaign has not commented further on the matter as it prepares for the upcoming election.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.