Virginia AG candidate Jay Jones faces backlash over violent texts
Democratic candidate for Virginia attorney general Jay Jones is under intense scrutiny after 2022 text messages surfaced calling for the violent death of a Republican lawmaker. Republicans have surged funding for incumbent Jason Miyares amid calls for Jones to drop out, while Democrats have condemned the messages but largely defended his candidacy. The scandal has tightened the race with one month until Election Day.
Jay Jones, a former state delegate running to unseat Republican incumbent Jason Miyares as Virginia's attorney general in 2025, has been hit by controversy over resurfaced text messages from 2022. In the texts, Jones reportedly wished "two bullets to the head" for then-Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, a Republican, and made remarks about police officers. The messages, which also called for the death of political opponents, prompted widespread Republican demands for Jones to exit the race, citing concerns over political violence.
Democrats, including gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, have disavowed the texts but stopped short of urging Jones to withdraw. Spanberger refused to call for his ouster during a recent debate, dodging questions after the messages surfaced. When asked if Jones should drop out, many Democrats remained silent or defended his candidacy while condemning the content. This has raised questions about whether Jones can legally be replaced on the ballot, with Fox News Digital contacting Virginia officials for clarification.
The scandal has galvanized Republican support. The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) doubled its investment, adding $2.5 million on October 10, 2025, bringing its total support for Miyares to a record $8.5 million. RAGA executive director Adam Piper stated the texts "completely changed the dynamics" of the race, with new donations pouring in. Internal polling by Cygnal from October 6-7 showed Jones' favorability dropping 21 points in a month, with Miyares leading by two points.
Jones has apologized for the texts, but backlash continues. In the broader context of Virginia's elections, the controversy intersects with the gubernatorial race between Winsome Earle-Sears and Spanberger, where immigration and other issues are also heating up. Former Roanoke College swimmer Lily Mullens expressed alarm, calling it "insane" for such a candidate to seek the top law enforcement role, fearing it could endanger citizens like her and her teammates who faced retaliation over transgender sports concerns.