Army Veteran Launches Campaign to Unseat New York Rep. Nick LaLota

Chris Gallant, a former helicopter pilot and air traffic controller, is running for the Democratic nomination against the Long Island Republican incumbent.

Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) speaks to reporters about a GOP meeting on a reconciliation bill on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 15, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

WASHINGTON—A former Army warrant officer has launched a campaign for New York’s First Congressional District seat during the 2026 election.

Christopher “Chris” Gallant is a native of Smithtown, New York. On Aug. 5, he announced that he would seek the Democratic nomination for Congress.