ALBANY, NY (WRGB)- New York Republicans have decided to dissolve their youth group following a scandal involving racist, anti-Semitic, and violent messages. The controversy erupted after Politico published leaked messages from leaders of state young Republicans groups, including New York’s, which contained offensive content praising Hitler and joking about rape.
Bobby Walker, chair of the New York State Young Republicans, was involved in the scandal and has apologized but resisted calls for his resignation. The New York Times reports that Republican leaders plan to eliminate the group’s charter to reconstitute it with new leadership, a move similar to one made by Kansas Republicans. The group’s website and social media pages are no longer available.
A New York State Politico reporter, Jason Beeferman, noted that the chat involved members elected to lead their states within a prominent Republican youth organization of 15,000 people. The report has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has categorized it as a “hit piece,” and Vice President J.D. Vance excused it as edgy jokes among young people. Some members involved have lost jobs in state government positions or political campaigns.