VTGOP Chair Responds to Politico Article on YR Group Chat

For Immediate Release
Wednesday October 15th, 2025
Contact: Paul Dame, paul@vtgop.org

VTGOP Chairman Paul Dame issued the following statement:

“Yesterday’s story in Politico which included some of the language allegedly used in a private group chat among a group of Young Republicans was shocking and grotesque to all Republicans. Although the remarks attributed to Sen. Douglass themselves were not bigoted or racist, because of his participation in the group, it has reflected poorly on himself, our party and Young Republicans everywhere.

Sen. Douglass owes it to his colleagues and his constituents to address the issue publicly. Included in that statement should be a categorical condemnation of the vile remarks made by the other members and a clarification of whether he had seen these remarks at the time they were made and why he didn’t condemn the other participants at the time.

Last week I applauded VA Delegate Carrie Coyner for confronting AG candidate Jay Jones for his awful private remarks at the time they were made, and I hold Sen. Douglass to the same standard. Republicans everywhere need to be vigilant and oppose these kinds of remarks, even when they are made in private.

I am removing Sen. Douglass from duties he has at the state party effective immediately until this matter is resolved.

If Sen. Douglass can not meet the minimum standard for informing the public about issues he is involved in, then I will also join the Governor and legislative colleagues in calling on him to resign.”