Chris Gallant has heard the noise, seen the photos, and apparently decided he has no intention of letting either derail him.
The openly gay Democratic nominee for New York’s 1st Congressional District is pushing back after old BDSM modeling images resurfaced during his campaign, turning a chapter of his personal life into political ammunition. Rather than retreat from the conversation, Gallant addressed the photos directly in a video to supporters, making one thing clear: he is not going to be shamed into disappearing.
For a gay candidate, there is something particularly notable about that response. Gallant did not try to pretend the photos never existed or offer an apology for modeling leather and fetish gear years ago. He acknowledged them, put them in context, and then turned the conversation back toward the campaign he is actually running.
READ: A Gay Vet Ready to Bring Accountability to Congress: Chris Gallant’s Bold Vision
Gallant Modeled BDSM Gear
The images show a younger Gallant modeling leather and fetish gear for Mr. S Leather, a San Francisco retailer specializing in leather and BDSM products. Gallant was also friends with the store’s owner and had agreed that selected images could be used in connection with certain products. Basically, a modeling gig for a young, good-looking man. Why are the conservatives even surprised?
The 37-year-old is running against Republican incumbent Nick LaLota after winning the Democratic primary. His background also includes service in the Army National Guard, as a pilot for Black Hawk helicopters, working as a firefighter, and as an air traffic controller.
None of those facts make the modeling photos disappear. But the photos also do not erase everything else Gallant has done.
READ: So Chris Gallant Did BDSM Modeling. Why Are Conservatives So Pressed About It?
He Chose to Address It Himself
Rather than allow the story to be defined entirely by headlines and speculation, Gallant went straight to his supporters.
“Well by now, you’ve probably seen the stories and the pictures, but let’s be clear about what this is. This is a coordinated political hit meant to drive me out of this race and this represents everything that is wrong with our politics today. The establishment is clinging to power mudslinging as a means of skirting accountability at the ballot box.”
Gallant then made the part about his own past unmistakable.
“Look, I am very proud of who I am and I won’t be ashamed in the silence and I won’t allow my private life to be distorted and weaponized against me. I am not a politician. Actually, far from it, but I have been fighting for this country since I first enlisted in the army since I was 17-years-old and I wasn’t scared flying Black Hawk helicopters in the Middle East, and I sure as hell won’t let some pictures in my past scare me out of this race. So hear me when I say this: I’m in this to win. I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge and I’m not backing down now.”
He went on to thank his supporters before ending with a particularly straightforward message:
“Let’s go win this.”
Let’s be clear about what this is: a coordinated political hit meant to drive me out of this race. This represents everything that is wrong with our politics today. The establishment clinging to power, mudslinging as a means of skirting accountability at the ballot box.
I’m… pic.twitter.com/r6ylZfLPMo
— Chris Gallant (@_gallantny) September 15, 2026
READ: Award-Nominated Gay Teacher Steps Down After X-Rated Photos Emerge
Maybe the Scandal Is the Shame
There is something refreshing about a candidate simply acknowledging the uncomfortable thing everyone is already talking about instead of hiding behind carefully constructed political language.
BDSM and leather are hardly new to LGBTQ+ culture. Neither is the tendency for queer people to have their sexuality, bodies, relationships, and private lives scrutinized differently once they step into public life.
Gallant’s response does not require anyone to pretend the photos do not exist. It is about refusing to let old images become a complete definition of who he is.
And that may be the most interesting part of this particular political story. Gallant was given an opportunity to disappear into the controversy. Instead, he stepped in front of it, spoke directly to the people supporting his campaign, and reclaimed the narrative for himself.
Whatever voters ultimately make of Gallant’s candidacy, the candidate himself has made his position clear: his past is not something he intends to apologize for, hide from, or allow others to weaponize against him.