Democratic Senate Leader Dianne Hesselbein Condemns Vile Messages Sent by Leaders of Young Republican Groups Including Elected Official

Statement by Senator Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) Democratic Senate Leader:

“Leaders of Young Republican Chapters around the country, including a State Legislator, repeatedly exchanged numerous vile racist, antisemitic, and sexist messages in a group text chat.

According to news reports “they mused about putting their political opponents in gas chambers. They talked about raping their enemies and driving them to suicide and lauded Republicans who they believed supported slavery.” (Politico, 10/14/2025).

Antisemitism is on the rise. Hate crimes are on the rise. Crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ communities are on the rise. In a world increasingly riven by divisions stoked by unapologetic bigotry, these messages are a sobering, horrible reminder of how cruel, violent, and widespread that bigotry is.

Any legislator who participated in this group text chat should resign and if they do not, they should be removed from office. The Young Republican chapters whose members participated should be shut down immediately and their officers stripped of their role in the Republican party. Republican leaders who have not yet done so should add their voices to the bi-partisan condemnation of these sickening and repulsive messages.

I have been in public life for over 20 years. I believe deeply that we can overcome hatred, create a more just and peaceful world, and live in mutual respect and harmony on this diverse and beautiful planet. The unspeakable text messages revealed this week do not alter my ideals but rather they strengthen my commitment to do all I can, in every way I can, every day I can to achieve them.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.