Vermont Governor Calls for State Senator’s Resignation Over Racist Chat Messages

Vermont Governor Phil Scott today called for State Senator Corey Parent to resign after a report revealed the Republican lawmaker participated in a group chat containing racist and violent messages.

The messages, reported by Politico and other news outlets, originated within an encrypted chat used by young Republicans in Kansas. They included expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler and other hateful rhetoric. Governor Scott stated he was “deeply disturbed” by the content and believes Parent’s continued service is untenable. “These statements are unacceptable and run counter to everything we stand for in Vermont,” Scott said in a released statement.

The Kansas Young Republicans organization has been disbanded following the revelations. Calls for Parent’s resignation have also come from Vermont’s Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth, who described the messages as “vile” and “deeply troubling.” This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of extremist views within political organizations and the scrutiny faced by elected officials regarding their online activity. Parent has not yet publicly responded to the calls for his resignation, but previously served as the Franklin County Republican Committee chair, according to his official legislative page.

The Vermont Republican Party has not yet issued a formal statement, but the controversy is likely to fuel debate about the party’s response to extremism. The Anti-Defamation League provides resources on extremism and hate speech.

Governor Scott’s office indicated he will continue to monitor the situation and expects Senator Parent to take appropriate action.