Vermont lawmaker resigns over racist messages in Republican group chat

Vermont state Senator Samuel Douglass, a Republican, has resigned from his office after his involvement in a controversial group text with dozens of young Republicans came to light.

Douglass, 26, is the only elected official to have participated in the group chat, although some others worked for lawmakers or held government positions, according to the New York Times. His resignation is effective Monday at 12 p.m. ET.

He issued a lengthy statement laying out his reasons for resigning, saying, in part: “I know that this decision will upset many, and delight others, but in this political climate I must keep my family safe. And if my Governor asks me to do something, I will act, because I believe in what he’s trying to do for the state of Vermont.”

Why It Matters

Earlier this week, Politico first reported on a group chat that involved Young Republican group leaders from multiple states. The report, which included over 2,900 pages of leaked Telegram chats, documented repeated racist and antisemitic remarks, with references to gas chambers and slavery, praise for Adolf Hitler, and misogynistic comments.

Some of those involved in the group chat have already faced consequences, such Peter Giunta who was dismissed from his position as chief of staff to a New York assemblyman, and Bobby Walker who was dismissed from a New York congressional campaign.

Several social media accounts believe to belong to some of those involved in the group chat have also gone dark, either deleted or set to private, following Politico’s report. An account that ostensibly belongs to Douglass, @samdouglassvt, is no longer visible on X.

What To Know

Douglass tendered his resignation Saturday, writing in his public statement that he was trying to “explain more of the situation” that had unfolded over the previous week.

In his statement, Douglass wrote that he “never wanted to alienate anyone no matter their party, much to the consternation of fellow Republicans.”

“I vowed I would serve in a moderate fashion, like my predecessor, and ensure that everyone’s voices were heard,” he wrote. “In my first session, I had a landmark agriculture bill passed in my first year, which was the first bill that I ever introduced. I began the work to reform our welfare system to reward struggling families for working more and to ensure that they wouldn’t lose all their benefits and fall off the cliff for trying to work more hours. And I pushed back against legislators who overly downplayed
environmental issues.”

Ultimately, Douglass decided to resign for the safety of his family, citing abuse he received after the report about his involvement in the group chat, with comments against his wife, who also participated in the group chat, and against his recently born first child, including an alleged online petition looking to have his child taken away from him in light of the group chat revelation.

“I do want to thank the outpouring of supportive messages and emails from constituents and people across the state, and from legislators on both sides of the aisle,” Douglass noted. “Your support of my family will stay with me. I also want to thank those who wanted to hear my side of the story and spoke to me first.”

He also stressed his commitment to reaching out to those he hurt, particularly “the majority of my Jewish and BIPOC friends and colleagues to ensure that they can be honest and upfront with me,” adding, “I know that as a young person I have a duty to set a good example for others.”

Who Is Vermont state Senator Samuel Douglass?

Douglass was elected in 2024, having won his seat in Orleans County with 59 percent of the vote. He previously worked as a mental health counselor and real estate agent, according to the Times.

His performance in his role had earned him plaudits and nominations for two awards, The Rookie of the Year and Legislator of the Year, due to his public image as a “common-sense candidate,” as described by Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican known for his moderate approach to politics.

Douglass’ biography on the Vermont legislature website states he was born in Newport City and moved around throughout his childhood, living in the nearby towns of Jay and North Troy. He attended Johnson State College where he earned a degree and worked in food service and hospitality.

Douglass and his wife operate an organic family farmstand where they sell produce from their beehives, goats, chickens, and ducks.

Douglass also serves on the Board of Civil Authority as a Justice of the Peace for the town of Troy. When the legislature is not in session, Douglass volunteers for Meals on Wheels and the Troy Town Revitalization Committee.

What People Are Saying

Vermont state Senator Samuel Douglass in his written statement, in part: “With this statement, I am seeking to explain more of the situation from earlier this week. As I stated in my initial statement, the comment attributed to me, was an unflattering remark about a specific individual, absolutely not a generalization. This was the context I provided in my initial statement. I love my state, my people, and I am deeply sorry for the offense this caused and that our state was dragged into this. The contents of the article do not reflect me or the values of our state.”

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Vermont wrote in a statement, in part: “The evidence is all around us that, despite Vermont leaders’ official statements, racism is alive and well and continues to perpetuate real harm in our communities. We appreciate our allies who have led the charge to fight these harms, but we need all our elected officials to take a stand and address the racism embedded in our systems and institutions. Now is not the time for platitudes—it is a time for leadership and action.”

Vermont Governor Phil Scott condemned the group chat, writing in a statement: “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.”

What Happens Next?

Scott is expected to appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of Douglass’ term through the end of 2026.