Chris Gallant, a Democratic congressional candidate in New York’s first district, attracted attention after photographs emerged from an earlier modelling shoot for a BDSM retailer. The images threatened to become a conventional political scandal, but Gallant acknowledged them, rejected attempts to shame him and argued that his private life was irrelevant to his qualifications and public service record.

Gallant is a former Black Hawk pilot, National Guard member, presidential protection mission leader, volunteer firefighter and air-traffic controller. He said the photographs were being used in a coordinated political attack, while responding with a campaign message presenting openness and authenticity as strengths; the article says the controversy increased his name recognition and may have energised his campaign, although it provides no polling evidence of its effect on the race.