A series of leaked messages filled with racist, homophobic, and antisemitic comments has sparked a major uproar within the Young Republican National Federation, revealing deep-seated divisions that threaten the unity of the organization.

State chapters of the Young Republicans have reacted variably to the scandal, with 23 states condemning the messages, aligning with current federation chair Hayden Padgett, who is facing backlash from some factions within the group. Meanwhile, others stayed silent or defended the implicated members, reflecting the internal discord that has plagued the group for years.

The contentious messages were part of a Telegram group chat involving prominent members including Peter Giunta, a key challenger in the recent leadership election. Giunta, who lost to Padgett, was noted for his particularly offensive remarks in the chats, including praising Hitler and making derogatory comments about diverse ethnicities and sexual orientations. His actions, along with those of others in the chat, have been widely criticized, though he has issued an apology.

Leaders from states like Missouri, Alaska, and Wisconsin have used this opportunity to reaffirm their support for Padgett, further isolating Giunta and his followers. In contrast, some states that supported Giunta, like Illinois and Georgia, have reluctantly criticized the messages, with several deleting previous endorsements of Giunta from their social media.

The Arizona Young Republican Federation, however, struck a different tone, criticizing the rush to judgment and accusing national leaders of political opportunism. They questioned the authenticity and context of the leaked chats and criticized the national leadership for a lack of unity and due process.

Padgett has dismissed claims of division within the organization as “baseless” and urged both sides of the political spectrum to condemn extremism and violence.

This internal strife comes at a critical time for the Young Republicans, who play a significant role in the Republican Party’s grassroots efforts during elections. The ongoing disputes and public relations crises could impact their effectiveness in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

As the organization grapples with these issues, some members express dismay at the current state of affairs, attributing the harsh political climate to the influence of divisive national politics. They hope for reconciliation and a return to the values that once made the organization a cornerstone of youthful political engagement within the Republican Party.