The chats included messages that used racial and homophobic slurs, referred to Black people as monkeys and “the watermelon people,” talked about sending their political opponents to gas chambers and mused about raping their enemies and driving them to suicide. The messages also lauded Republicans who they believed supported slavery, Politico reported.
One message read: “Great. I love Hitler.”
The messages obtained by Politico spanned more than seven months and were part of a chat among Young Republican leaders in New York, Kansas, Arizona and Vermont.
The Young Republican National Federation condemned the messages and called for immediate resignations of all those involved.
“We are appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed in the Politico article published today. Such behavior is disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents,” the Young Republican National Federation’s board of directors said in a Tuesday post on Instagram.
“Those involved must immediately resign from all positions within their state and local Young Republican organizations. We must hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and professionalism.”
Jones, who will take part in a debate against Republican nominee Jason Miyares on Thursday, apologized for his texts. He has remained in the race despite calls from Republicans for him to drop out of the race. Top Democrats in the state have declined to call on Jones to exit the race.
