Vermont Progressive Party Condemns Hate-Fueled Actions of State Senator Samuel Douglass
Montpelier, Vermont – The Vermont Progressive Party condemns in the strongest possible terms the hateful, racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic messages revealed today in a year-long Telegram chat among members of the national Young Republicans, including Samuel Douglass, Chair of the Vermont Young Republicans and a sitting Vermont State Senator.
This should serve as a warning to us all: these are the future leaders of the Republican Party. The messages are shocking, unacceptable, and reveal the kind of hateful politics they embrace. Vermont voters should take notice; we are not immune to the cruelty and extremism of the modern GOP.
Governor Phil Scott today issued the following statement in response to leaked messages from leaders of a national Young Republican group chat: “The hateful statements made in this group chat are disgusting and unacceptable. The vile, racist, bigoted, and antisemitic dialogue that has been reported is deeply disturbing. There is simply no excuse for it. Those involved should resign from their roles immediately and leave the Republican party – including Vermont State Senator Sam Douglass.”
Former Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman shared his reflections. "I fully agree with Governor Scott. The comments revealed in the National Young Republicans group chat are reprehensible and have no place in Vermont politics—or anywhere. When someone is part of a thread filled with repeated hateful, racist, misogynistic, and antisemitic remarks, any reasonable person should either speak out or remove themselves immediately. Silence in the face of such vile rhetoric is complicity. Senator Sam Douglass should resign.”
Senator Tanya Vyhovsky (Chittenden - Central State) stated, "Engaging in this vile and hateful rhetoric is a breach of public trust. I agree with my Republican colleagues that there is no place for this in Vermont public service and Senator Douglass should resign immediately."
Representative Kate Logan (Chittenden - 16) stated, “The current presidential administration encourages radical disregard of our fellow human beings and foments political conflict. We cannot show tolerance of such behavior, especially among young men who aspire to political leadership. Vermont Progressives expect State Senator Douglass to immediately resign his seat.”
Progressives in Vermont must organize, stay engaged, and ensure that our state remains a place where working people, marginalized communities, and every Vermonter are respected and protected. Silence is not an option.