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The G.O.P. officials who participated in a group chat have faced calls to step down. State Senator Samuel Douglass was the group’s only elected member.
Oct. 17, 2025, 7:12 p.m. ET
A Vermont Republican legislator who faced bipartisan condemnation after participating in a long-running group chat that was peppered with racist and antisemitic language announced on Friday that he would resign.
State Senator Samuel Douglass, 26, was one of a dozen young Republican Party activists from around the country who had participated in the texts, which were first reported on Tuesday by Politico. And while some participants worked for Republican lawmakers or held government posts, Mr. Douglass was the only elected official.
“I know that this decision will upset many, and delight others, but in this political climate I must keep my family safe,” he said in a lengthy statement that was submitted to the local news media and legislative officials.
His resignation will be effective at noon on Monday, Mr. Douglass said in his statement.
“Offense was taken and people were hurt, so I will mend bridges to the best of my ability. Since the story broke, I have reached out to the majority of my Jewish and BIPOC friends and colleagues to ensure that they can be honest and upfront with me, and I know that as a young person I have a duty to set a good example for others,” Mr. Douglass added, using an acronym for Black, Indigenous and people of color.
Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, is now expected to appoint a replacement — presumably a Republican — to serve out the rest of Mr. Douglass’s term through the end of 2026. Democrats control both the House and Senate, but more Democrats lost seats in Vermont than in any other state in 2024, in large part because of concerns over affordability.
According to Politico, Mr. Douglass, who was elected in 2024 as part of the Republican wave, had responded to a message about “a very obese Indian woman” by writing, “She just didn’t bathe often.” His wife, Brianna, participated in the chat, too, and posted an antisemitic remark.
