Vermont State Sen. Samuel Douglass is resigning following mounting bipartisan pressure from political leaders, including Gov. Phil Scott, after it was revealed he was a participant in the controversial Young Republican group chat where there were hundreds of racist and hateful messages that ended up published by Politico.
NBC10 Boston affiliate WPTZ obtained a written statement from Douglass, in which he announced his resignation and said he and his wife Brianna -- who was also implicated in the scandal -- have been the subject of some of the most "horrific hate" you could imagine since Politico's report.
"I know this decision will upset many, and delight others, but in this political climate I must keep my family safe," Douglass wrote. "And if my governor asks me to do something, I will act because I believed in what he's trying to do for the state of Vermont."
Douglass, an Orleans County Republican, has said his comment in Politico's story -- what he called an "unflattering remark" -- was taken out of context. It was made about an individual and not intended as a generalization, he said.
"I love my state, my people, and I am deeply sorry for the offense this caused and that our state was dragged into this," he wrote. "The contents of the article do not reflect me or the values of our state."
Douglass went on to acknowledge that although he did not intent to insult anybody, "the most important part is the effect -- that offense was taken and people were hurt, so I will mend bridges to the best of my ability."
Both Republicans and Democrats have condemned members of the group chat for their commentary. The group featured leaders of Young Republican chapters in New York, Kansas, Arizona and Vermont, some of whom worked as GOP campaign operatives or held elected office themselves. The chapters fell within the Young Republican National Federation, the party's 15,000-member group for Republicans aged 18 to 40.
The Young Republicans' board of directors condemned the comments last week, saying the organization is "appalled by the vile and inexcusable language," which it described as "disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents."
"Those involved must immediately resign from all positions within their state and local Young Republican organizations," the statement continued. "We must hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, respect, and professionalism."
Douglass said his resignation would take effect Monday at noon, at which time the governor can then appoint a replacement to serve out his term in the Vermont senate.
NBC News contributed to this report