A Vermont Republican senator announced his resignation on Friday following the revelation of his involvement in a group chat among young GOP leaders that contained antisemitic and racist remarks.
State Sen. Samuel Douglass, 26, was the only elected official in a private group chat with a dozen young Republican operatives nationwide, as first reported by Politico on Tuesday.
The messages exchanged in the chat included various racial slurs aimed at Black individuals, jokes about putting political adversaries in gas chambers, expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler and slavery, and one member referring to rape as “epic.”
Douglass sent a detailed resignation statement to Vermont media and legislative officials on Friday, stating that his resignation would take effect at noon on Monday.
“I know that this decision will upset many, and delight others, but in this political climate I must keep my family safe,” Douglass expressed.
He mentioned in his statement that he and his wife recently welcomed their first child, and he was returning from paternity leave when the news about the text messages broke.
Since the exposure, he has experienced severe backlash, including threats of sexual violence and death directed at his wife and child. “Many of these were made by Vermonters. We’ve even heard about an online petition circulating to have our baby taken away from us. Just today we were sent nasty items in the mail,” Douglass stated.
He emphasized that he never intended to alienate anyone, regardless of their political affiliation, and has reached out to his “Jewish and BIPOC friends and colleagues to ensure that they can be honest and upfront with me.”
Gov. Phil Scott (R-VT) reportedly urged Douglass to resign in light of the incident. He is expected to appoint a replacement to fulfill Douglass’s term until the end of 2026.
Several other participants in the group chat, who hold staff positions for Republican officials nationwide, have also been dismissed.
