Vermont Senator Resigns Amid National Young Republicans Racist Chat Scandal

Vermont State Senator Samuel Douglass resigned following his involvement in a Young Republican group chat that contained racist and antisemitic messages, which sparked widespread condemnation across political lines. The scandal, revealed by Politico, included offensive remarks by Douglass and his wife, Brianna, such as derogatory comments about Indian and Jewish people, along with disturbing jokes about violence and hate. Governor Phil Scott and other Vermont GOP leaders demanded Douglass's immediate resignation, labeling the chat's content as "vile, racist, bigoted, and antisemitic." Despite initial delays in formal resignation paperwork, Douglass officially stepped down, citing the need to protect his family amid intense backlash and hateful threats. The fallout extended beyond Vermont, with multiple participants losing jobs, and the New York Young Republicans' charter revoked, reflecting a broader reckoning within the party. Douglass expressed regret, apologized for the offense caused, and stated he reached out to Jewish and minority colleagues to better understand the impact of his actions.