A leaked Telegram chat containing racist, homophobic, and antisemitic messages among Young Republicans has intensified internal divisions following a contentious leadership election. The scandal involves key figures like challenger Peter Giunta, who posted offensive content, and has prompted varied responses from state chapters. Supporters of incumbent chair Hayden Padgett have condemned the messages, while others question the context.
The controversy erupted after POLITICO revealed a Telegram group chat with bigoted epithets, resurfacing fractures within the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF), which has about 14,000 members and aids Republican election ground games. Past chairs include Roger Stone and members of Congress.
The rift traces to an August 2024 election for YRNF leadership. Incumbent Hayden Padgett from Texas won reelection against Peter Giunta, who garnered 47% of the vote. Giunta, part of the leaked chat, posted messages like “I love Hitler” and a racist remark about pilots. The group also used homophobic slurs against Padgett, including Arizona chair Luke Mosiman's “RAPE HAYDEN.” Giunta apologized but declined comment; Mosiman did not respond.
Padgett's supporters in 23 states quickly condemned the texts, emphasizing loyalty—Missouri, Alaska, and Wisconsin leaders opposed Giunta's bid. In contrast, many Giunta-backing states stayed silent, though Illinois and Georgia denounced them. Arizona's federation, led by Mosiman, condemned the rhetoric but questioned its “authenticity and context,” accusing Padgett's leadership of disregarding unity.
Padgett called division claims “baseless” and urged Democrats to condemn their party's violent rhetoric, stating, “The YRNF unequivocally condemned the leaked messages... every state and local Young Republican chapter stands united.” California chair Ariana Assenmacher, Giunta's running mate, called it an “isolated event” unrelated to the broader organization.
Anonymous state chairs expressed dismay at the infighting, with one saying, “These are the meanest people I have ever met in my life,” worrying it could harm GOP efforts in 2026 midterms. New Hampshire's Valerie McDonnell decried the “repeated terrible language” over six months. Divisions have persisted since Padgett's 2023 election.