Hate has no home in Vermont. Join us in taking a stand.

A report published yesterday by POLITICO reveals that Vermont State Senator Sam Douglass participated in a Young Republicans group chat filled with racist, violent, misogynistic, and pro-Nazi messages. The broader chat he engaged in included praise of Hitler, language celebrating sexual violence, and racial and homophobic slurs. 

The Vermont Democratic Party strongly denounces the disturbing, hateful, and discriminatory messages uncovered yesterday among members of the national Young Republicans including Samuel Douglass, Chair of the Vermont Young Republicans and a current Vermont state senator.

 

Vermont Democrats call for Senator Douglass’s immediate resignation.

 

These individuals are rising leaders within the Republican Party. Earlier this month, Senator Douglass was nominated as a finalist for the ‘Legislator of the Year’ and ‘Rookie of the Year’ awards by the VTGOP. This should serve as a serious warning about the direction of Republican leadership in our state, and the growing acceptance of extremism within their ranks.

The Vermont Democratic Party is committed to supporting leaders who embody Vermont values — respect, integrity, and compassion for all people. 

Moments like this remind us why the work of building a better future matters so deeply. Together, we can shape what comes next in Vermont politics.

By investing in Democratic organizing today, you’re helping ensure that the leaders in this state reflect the decency and respect that Vermonters believe in.

There is no space in Vermont for the violent and hateful behavior demonstrated by the Young Republicans and Senator Douglass — not in our politics, not in our communities, and certainly not in the Vermont Statehouse.

Sen. Douglass must resign. And if he won’t, we will work tirelessly to make sure he is voted out.