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Chatzky's $5M Campaign Faces Scrutiny Over Crude Posts

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Peter Chatzky, a wealthy tech executive running for Congress in New York, faces mounting scrutiny over a decade of sexually explicit Facebook posts that could derail his $5 million campaign. The 65-year-old poured personal funds into his bid to unseat Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, positioning himself as a progressive businessman in the Hudson Valley district.

Chatzky's posts included vulgar jokes about paying Melania Trump for sex, hosting swingers parties, and boasting about masturbation. He made crude comments while serving as deputy mayor of Briarcliff Manor, including banter about interns and fake Facebook profiles. His campaign manager blamed political rivals for circulating the posts, which remain publicly available.

Democratic leaders view the 17th District seat as crucial for retaking House control, making Chatzky's online history a potential liability. His opponents include three women in an increasingly negative primary race. While Chatzky has reported assets between $19 million and $59 million, his social media behavior has drawn criticism from local Democratic leaders who warn that objectifying women undermines his political viability.