Millionaire Dem Candidate Faces Backlash Over Offensive Social Media Posts

Peter Chatzky's history of crude jokes about teens and sex could derail his congressional bid

Mar. 25, 2026 at 4:04am

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Peter Chatzky, a millionaire software executive running in the Democratic primary to challenge Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District, is facing backlash over a series of resurfaced social media posts containing offensive jokes about child porn, teen sex, and other vulgar content spanning over a decade.

Why it matters

Chatzky's history of inappropriate and insensitive social media posts raises serious questions about his judgment and character, which are crucial qualities for a congressional representative. This controversy could significantly impact his chances of winning the Democratic primary and defeating the incumbent Republican in the general election.

The details

The posts, which date back to 2011 and continue through early 2025, include Chatzky joking about topics such as child porn, having sex with a 17-year-old, and other sexually explicit content. Several of the posts have since been deleted, but screenshots reviewed by The Post paint a disturbing pattern of behavior that many find disqualifying for a political candidate.

  • In 2011, Chatzky posted "Hey Irene, blow me" during Hurricane Irene.
  • In May 2012, Chatzky wrote "So, is Obama, f--king Biden, or what?" about then-President Obama and Vice President Biden.
  • In 2016, Chatzky replied to a friend referencing a "17-year-old Lithuanian gymnast" with "The so-called Lithuanian exception applies here."
  • In 2019, Chatzky joked about his breakfast pork rinds being filled with "deep fried sperm."
  • In August 2020, Chatzky publicly shared a blackmail email referencing a video of him accessing an "inappropriate teen porn website."

The players

Peter Chatzky

A 65-year-old millionaire software executive running in the Democratic primary to challenge Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York's 17th Congressional District.

Rep. Mike Lawler

The incumbent Republican congressman seeking a third term in New York's 17th Congressional District.

Sonia Ossorio

A senior adviser and former president of the National Organization for Women's New York City Chapter.

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What they’re saying

“It's astounding. His millions of dollars are not going to save him in this campaign.”

— Sonia Ossorio, Senior Adviser and Former President of the National Organization for Women's New York City Chapter

“We're in a new era. No one has the tolerance for such poor judgment, character, and juvenile behavior.”

— Sonia Ossorio, Senior Adviser and Former President of the National Organization for Women's New York City Chapter

What’s next

Chatzky faces several Democratic opponents in the primary, and the controversy over his social media posts could significantly impact his chances of winning the nomination and challenging the incumbent Republican in the general election.

The takeaway

Chatzky's history of inappropriate and offensive social media posts raises serious concerns about his judgment and character, which are crucial qualities for a congressional representative. This controversy could derail his political ambitions and serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of thorough vetting for candidates, even those with significant personal wealth.