Leaders from various Young Republican organizations nationwide are under intense scrutiny following the exposure of racist and deeply offensive remarks exchanged in private group chats, as uncovered by Politico.
Both Democratic and Republican officials have condemned the derogatory language and criticized the implicated groups. In response, the Young Republican National Federation has demanded resignations, the Kansas Young Republicans chapter has been disbanded, and several individuals involved have lost their employment.
The Young Republican National Federation urged all participants in the chat to “resign immediately from any positions” they hold within the organization.
On Tuesday, Politico published 2,900 pages of leaked messages from a Telegram chat involving Young Republican leaders, revealing a pattern of racist and offensive discourse.
The group included individuals actively engaged with elected officials and others aspiring to leadership roles within the national Young Republicans. They were aware that exposure of their conversations could lead to serious consequences.
Bobby Walker, recently appointed chair of the New York State Young Republicans, acknowledged the risk in the chat, stating, “If this chat ever leaked, we’d be done for real.”
Despite this awareness, members continued to exchange offensive and racist remarks.
According to Politico, the chat contained dehumanizing references to Black individuals, including terms like “monkeys” and “the watermelon people.” Participants joked about exterminating political rivals in gas chambers, with one member expressing admiration for Hitler and making antisemitic statements. Another trivialized the mass sexual violence against Indigenous peoples as “epic.” Support for Republicans who allegedly endorsed slavery was also voiced, alongside discussions about driving a political opponent to suicide.
The leaked messages featured numerous slurs, including the N-word and homophobic insults, with the term “retarded” appearing over 251 times.
Democratic leaders swiftly condemned the chat and those linked to it.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republican representatives Mike Lawler and Elise Stefanik for associating with these “racist, antisemitic and bigoted Young Republicans” for years, accusing them of insincere outrage.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her disgust, stating, “These aren’t just a few bad actors; they represent the future of the Republican Party. Their vile beliefs in gas chambers, rape, and racial discrimination are beyond words.”
Hochul also called for the expulsion of these individuals from the Republican Party, emphasizing, “This nonsense must end.”
Republicans nationwide have largely distanced themselves from those involved, with the notable exception of Vice President JD Vance.
On X, Vance pointed to Democratic Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones, who recently faced backlash for texting about shooting a Republican rival. Vance claimed Jones’s remarks were “far worse” than the Young Republicans’ chat and refused to “join the outrage when influential figures advocate political violence.” Other conservatives who condemned the chat also referenced Jones’s scandal, including right-wing commentator Brilyn Hollyhand.
Beyond social media reactions, the fallout has resulted in job losses for some involved.
Peter Giunta, former chair of the New York State Young Republicans during the chat period, was dismissed from his role as chief of staff to New York Assemblymember Michael Reilly.
Reilly stated, “The comments revealed in the group chat are deeply troubling and do not reflect my values. Consequently, Mr. Giunta’s role in my office has been terminated.”
Elise Stefanik, a New York Republican congresswoman who had previously praised Giunta’s leadership, condemned the chat. Her spokesperson told Politico that Stefanik “demands immediate resignation from any NY Young Republicans responsible for these abhorrent remarks,” clarifying that she does not employ anyone involved.
Later on Tuesday, Stefanik labeled the Politico report a “hit piece,” referenced the Jones texting controversy, and accused New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani of supporting “terrorist sympathizers.”
Joe Maligno, another New York participant, has been removed from his position within the New York state unified court system.
The scandal also prompted the Kansas Republican Party to suspend its Young Republicans chapter. Two leading members of the Kansas group were active in the chat, with vice-chair William Hendrix reportedly using the N-word over a dozen times. Hendrix had already lost his job with Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach before the story broke.
Vermont State Senator Samuel Douglass is facing calls to resign, and Bobby Walker, who was set to join Peter Oberacker’s congressional campaign, had his job offer withdrawn.
