'Meanest people': Outrage over leaked chats continue to rock the Young Republican world
An image from Senate President Ty Masterson’s announcement of his campaign for Kansas governor includes Kansas Young Republicans chair Alex Dwyer, far left, and vice chair William Hendrix, second from right. Politico reports Dwyer and Hendrix took part in a private Telegram chat with other state GOP leaders touting racist, violent and antisemitic ideas such as “I love Hitler” and “They love the watermelon people.” (Submitted)
The Young Republican National Federation (YRNF) is facing a widening internal crisis after the leak of a private group chat containing racist, antisemitic, and homophobic slurs by several of its members, including former leadership contender Peter Giunta, Politico reported Sunday.
According to the report, the revelations have intensified a long-standing rift within the organization, which has struggled with infighting and factionalism for years.
The controversial messages, first reported by Politico last week, included Giunta declaring “I love Hitler” and making inflammatory remarks about race and gender.
Arizona Young Republicans Chair Luke Mosiman also used an apparent rape threat against current YRNF chair Hayden Padgett.
The report noted that Giunta has since apologized, but has not publicly commented further.
Reactions from state chapters have been mixed.
Padgett’s allies — representing 23 states — swiftly denounced the messages and reaffirmed their support for his leadership.
Missouri, Alaska, and Wisconsin leaders pointedly tied their condemnation to their opposition to Giunta’s failed August leadership challenge.
In contrast, several Giunta-aligned chapters remained silent or deleted public endorsements of his campaign.
The Arizona Young Republican Federation, led by Mosiman, acknowledged the offensive language but questioned the chat’s “authenticity and context,” accusing national leaders of exploiting the scandal for political gain.
“Mob-style condemnation driven by political opportunism or personal agendas,” their statement read.
Padgett, dismissing claims of disunity, said, “The YRNF unequivocally condemned the leaked messages in the Politico article—full stop,” adding, “Outside of those in the sticks, every state and local Young Republican chapter stands united.”
Still, some insiders worry the scandal and ongoing division could weaken the group’s influence ahead of the 2026 midterms.
“We spend a lot of time fighting amongst ourselves,” said one anonymous state chair, per the report.
“These are the meanest people I have ever met in my life.”
