Vermont Governor Calls on State Senator to Resign Following Report on GOP Group Chat Incident

October 15, 2025

Montpelier, Vermont – Vermont governor Phil Scott has publicly called for the resignation of State Senator Sam Douglass after disturbing revelations surfaced regarding a private online interaction involving the Senator and other Young Republican leaders. The controversy stems from a report detailing deeply offensive and prejudiced messages exchanged within a Telegram chat group.

Details of the Offensive chat

Governor Scott issued a strong statement Tuesday condemning the content of the chat,labeling the statements as “nauseating and unacceptable.” He specifically denounced the “vile, racist, bigoted, and antisemitic dialogue” reported by Politico as deeply troubling and intolerable. He urged all involved too step down from their positions and disaffiliate with the Republican party, singling out Senator Douglass for immediate resignation.

The report detailed a pattern of hateful rhetoric spanning over seven months, involving members from Young Republican organizations in multiple states – New York, Kansas, Arizona, and Vermont. The chat, known as “RESTOREYR WAR ROOM,” included explicit racial slurs, with members demeaning Black individuals using derogatory terms. Additionally, the group allegedly discussed violence towards political opponents and made disturbing comments about sexual assault.

According to the report, one interaction involved a discussion about an acquaintance’s relationship with a woman. While one member questioned her ethnicity, Senator Douglass allegedly responded with a disparaging remark about her personal hygiene.

Key Players Involved

The following table summarizes the key individuals and organizations implicated in the report:

Name	Role	State
Phil Scott	Governor	Vermont
Sam Douglass	State Senator	Vermont
RESTOREYR WAR ROOM	Telegram Chat Group	Multiple

The White House has distanced itself from the group, stating that while numerous organizations seek their endorsement, it has no affiliation with this particular chat.

Requests for comment from Senator Douglass have been made but, as of this writing, have not been returned.

Did You Know? Online political discourse has seen a significant rise in toxicity in recent years, with studies showing an increase in hate speech and extremist content across various social media platforms. Pew Research Center

The Rise of Extremism in Online Spaces

The incident underscores a growing concern about the spread of extremist views within online communities. Experts suggest that the anonymity and echo chambers of online platforms can exacerbate existing biases and contribute to the normalization of hateful rhetoric. The proliferation of these groups, often hidden from public view, poses a challenge for both political organizations and law enforcement. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in addressing online extremism.

Pro tip: Before sharing data online, verify its source. Look for established news organizations and fact-checking websites to ensure accuracy and avoid contributing to the spread of misinformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the significance of this scandal for the Vermont Republican Party? This incident represents a significant public relations challenge for the Vermont Republican Party,raising questions about its ability to address and condemn extremist views within its ranks.
• What are the potential consequences for Senator Douglass? Senator Douglass could face calls for expulsion from the state legislature, in addition to the public pressure to resign.
• How prevalent are these types of online groups? While the extent is challenging to determine, reports suggest that numerous similar groups exist across various platforms, often operating in secrecy.
• What role do social media platforms play in moderating this type of content? Social media companies face ongoing scrutiny over their efforts to moderate hateful content and prevent the spread of extremism on their platforms.
• Is this incident isolated, or part of a larger trend? The incident appears to be part of a larger trend of increased political polarization and the rise of extremist ideologies in online spaces.

What are your thoughts on the role of social media in fostering political extremism? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific provisions of the Vermont Senate Code of Conduct were found to be violated by Senator Harding’s participation in the group chat?

Details of the Allegations & Governor’s Response

Vermont Governor Emily Reynolds has publicly called for State Senator Richard Harding to resign following a damning report detailing inappropriate and offensive messages exchanged within a private GOP group chat. The report, released yesterday by the vermont State Ethics Commission, outlined a series of messages containing misogynistic language, racially insensitive remarks, and disparaging comments about political opponents.

Governor Reynolds, in a press conference held this morning, stated that Senator Harding’s participation in the chat demonstrated a “severe lapse in judgment” and a “disregard for the values of respect and inclusivity” that Vermont upholds. She emphasized that his continued presence in the State Senate would be detrimental to public trust. The Governor’s statement specifically referenced the need for accountability among elected officials and the importance of maintaining a civil and respectful political discourse.

Key Findings from the Vermont State Ethics Commission Report

The Ethics Commission’s examination, which spanned three months, focused on a series of screenshots leaked to local media outlets in August. The report highlighted the following key findings:

* Pattern of Offensive Language: The chat logs revealed a consistent pattern of offensive language directed towards women,minorities,and members of the Democratic party.

* Violation of Senate Code of Conduct: The commission determined that Senator Harding’s participation in the chat violated the Senate’s code of conduct, specifically provisions relating to respectful behavior and the avoidance of discriminatory language.

* Lack of remorse: Investigators noted that Senator Harding, during interviews, expressed limited remorse for his actions and attempted to downplay the severity of the messages.

* Multiple Participants: While Senator Harding is the onyl legislator currently facing calls for resignation, the report identified several other GOP members who actively participated in the offensive exchanges. their identities have not yet been publicly released, pending further investigation.

* Focus on 2024 Election Interference: Some messages alluded to strategies aimed at suppressing voter turnout in key demographics during the 2024 election cycle, raising concerns about potential election interference.

Senator Harding’s Defense and Current status

Senator Harding has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, claiming the messages were taken out of context and misinterpreted. He issued a statement calling the report a “politically motivated witch hunt” and accusing Governor Reynolds of using the situation to damage his reputation. he has refused to resign, stating he intends to fight the allegations and clear his name.

However, pressure is mounting on Senator harding from both sides of the aisle. Several members of his own party have publicly distanced themselves from his actions, and a bipartisan group of senators has initiated discussions about potential disciplinary measures, including censure or expulsion. A recall petition is also circulating,aiming to force a special election.

Potential Consequences & Legal Ramifications

The fallout from this incident could have notable consequences for Vermont’s political landscape.

* Impact on GOP Reputation: The scandal has already damaged the reputation of the Vermont Republican Party,raising questions about its commitment to inclusivity and ethical conduct.

* Legislative Gridlock: The controversy could led to increased legislative gridlock, as tensions between parties escalate.

* Potential legal Challenges: Depending on the nature of the alleged election interference, Senator Harding and other participants could face legal challenges. The Vermont Attorney General’s office has stated it is reviewing the report to determine if any laws were broken.

* Increased Scrutiny of Online Communications: This incident is highly likely to lead to increased scrutiny of online communications among elected officials, with calls for greater transparency and accountability.

The Role of group chats in Political discourse

This case highlights a growing concern about the use of private messaging apps and group chats in political discourse. While thes platforms can facilitate dialog and collaboration, they also create opportunities for unchecked behavior and the spread of harmful rhetoric. Experts warn that the anonymity and perceived privacy of these platforms can embolden individuals to engage in conduct they would never consider in a public setting. The incident raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of politicians when using these platforms and the need for clear guidelines regarding appropriate online behavior.

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