The Vermont Progressive Party has condemned what it described as “hateful, racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic” messages shared in a private group chat among members of the national Young Republicans, which reportedly included Vermont State Senator Samuel Douglass.
In an October 14 statement, the party denounced “in the strongest possible terms” a series of leaked messages, first reported by Politico. The screenshots, reportedly from a private Telegram chat involving state and national Young Republican members, include references to rape and gas chambers, along with derogatory remarks targeting Black people, Jews, and LGBTQ+ individuals. At least one participant appeared aware of the risk that the messages could become public.
The Progressive Party’s statement described the comments as “shocking” and “unacceptable,” warning that they reflected “the kind of hateful politics” embraced by some elements of the modern Republican Party. “Vermont voters should take notice; we are not immune to the cruelty and extremism of the modern GOP,” the statement read.
While the party stopped short of directly calling for the resignation of Douglass, who represents the Orleans district and chairs the Vermont Young Republicans, it noted that several state officials had urged him to step down after the leak. Those calls came from Republican Governor Phil Scott as well as former and current Progressive Party members. One of them, former Lt. Governor David Zuckerman, called the remarks “reprehensible” and said they 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,” Zuckerman said. “Silence in the face of such vile rhetoric is complicity. Senator Sam Douglass should resign.”
Another Progressive, State Senator Tanya Vyhovsky, called the situation “a breach of public trust” and said she agreed with her Republican colleagues that “there is no place for this in Vermont public service.” Representative Kate Logan, also a member of the party, added that “Vermont Progressives expect State Senator Douglass to immediately resign his seat.”
The party urged Vermonters to “organize, stay engaged, and ensure that our state remains a place where working people, marginalized communities, and every Vermonter are respected and protected,” adding, “Silence is not an option.”
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