When Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York took the stage at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden in Astoria, Queens, on October 14, 2025, she didn’t just read a speech—she read the nation’s pulse. The governor, flanked by Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic mayoral hopeful and state assemblyman, condemned a leaked racist Young Republican chat that had surfaced in a Politico report the day before. In under three minutes she linked the vile messages—ranging from gas‑chamber jokes to explicit rape threats—to the rhetoric of top GOP figures, most notably Elise Stefanik, the New York Republican congresswoman who chairs the House Republican Conference.
What the leaked chat revealed
The group in question, administered by Joseph Maligno, a self‑identified "general counsel" for the Young Republican chapter in New York, had been active from March 2024 through September 2025. Inside, members exchanged hate‑filled memes, praised historic atrocities, and threatened political opponents with violent language. Politico’s analysis showed more than 200 messages, many containing overt antisemitic slurs and calls for the extermination of Black voters. The leak sparked immediate outrage across the political spectrum.
Immediate fallout across states
Within hours of the story breaking on October 13, the Kansas Young Republican Federation was dissolved by the national leadership. In New York, three staffers faced abrupt job loss: Peter Giunta, chief of staff to Assemblyman Michael Reilly, was dismissed; Hunter Hendrix was terminated from the office of Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach; and campaign manager Bobby Walker was removed from Republican congressional candidate Peter Oberacker’s 2026 race. Even Joseph Maligno himself lost his position with the New York State Unified Court System after an internal review.
Responses from the Young Republican National Federation
The national body, led by Chairman Jake Schneider, issued a stark statement on October 15 demanding “immediate resignations from all state and local positions” held by anyone involved. The federation set a deadline of October 22 for those steps, warning that failure to comply would trigger expulsion from the party. In its release, the organization called the conduct "disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and directly opposite to the values we claim to uphold."
Why Governor Hochul singled out Rep. Stefanik
Governor Hochul’s critique of Rep. Elise Stefanik wasn’t random. Stefanik had previously labeled candidate Zohran Mamdani a "jihadist and terrorist" during a heated town‑hall in Manhattan, a remark that many saw as inflaming partisan tensions. Hochul argued that such incendiary language “normalizes” extremism, creating an environment where young Republicans feel emboldened to share hate‑filled jokes without fear of repercussion. "Look at what you say yourself, look at your inflammatory words and maybe they have an effect on these young people," she said, urging the House Republican Conference chair to reconsider his rhetorical strategy.
What remains unresolved
Not every participant has faced consequences. Michael Bartels, a senior adviser at the U.S. Small Business Administration, admitted to being in the group but claimed he never contributed to the vile content. He has retained his federal job, a fact confirmed by his LinkedIn profile on October 15. Bartels declined to comment when approached for further comment. The disparity in outcomes has reignited debate over accountability for passive members versus active instigators.
Broader implications for the GOP
The scandal arrives at a fraught moment for the Republican Party. With the 2026 midterms on the horizon, party leaders are wrestling with how to balance a base that increasingly embraces hard‑right rhetoric and the broader electorate that remains wary of extremist overtones. If the Young Republican National Federation follows through on its resignation demand, the organization could see a significant turnover in its leadership pipeline, potentially reshaping the party’s future narrative. Conversely, failure to act decisively may embolden other fringe groups and further erode public trust.
Key facts
- Leak revealed over 200 hateful messages spanning March 2024–September 2025.
- Governor Hochul condemned the content on October 14, 2025, at Bohemian Hall, Astoria.
- Kansas Young Republican Federation dissolved on October 14, 2025.
- Four confirmed job losses: Peter Giunta, Hunter Hendrix, Bobby Walker, Joseph Maligno.
- Young Republican National Federation set October 22 deadline for resignations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this scandal affect the Young Republican movement?
The exposure has forced the national body to confront internal culture, prompting a call for mass resignations and the dissolution of the Kansas chapter. If enforced, the movement could lose a generation of activists, prompting a re‑evaluation of recruitment and messaging strategies.
What actions have been taken against participants?
Four individuals have been terminated from their jobs: Peter Giunta (NY Assembly chief of staff), Hunter Hendrix (Kansas Attorney General’s office), Bobby Walker (campaign manager), and Joseph Maligno (court system employee). The Kansas chapter was dissolved, and the national federation demanded resignations by Oct 22. Some members, like Michael Bartels, remain employed because they did not actively post hateful content.
Why did Governor Hochul target Rep. Elise Stefanik?
Hochul linked Stefanik’s earlier "jihadist" remarks about candidate Zohran Mamdani to the extremist tone of the chat, suggesting that high‑profile inflammatory language can legitimize hate among young party members. She argued that Stefanik, as House Republican Conference chair, bears responsibility for the rhetoric that filters down to grassroots groups.
What are the potential political repercussions for the GOP?
If the party fails to purge extremist elements, it risks alienating moderate voters ahead of the 2026 midterms and further damaging its national brand. Conversely, a decisive purge could restore some credibility but might also alienate a segment of the base that thrives on provocative rhetoric.
What investigations are ongoing?
Law enforcement agencies in New York and Kansas have opened inquiries into possible hate‑crime violations. Additionally, the New York State Ethics Commission is reviewing whether any public officials violated conduct rules by participating in or endorsing the chat.