Virginia Democratic AG candidate scrutinized over violent texts
Democratic candidate for Virginia attorney general Jay Jones is under fire after 2022 text messages surfaced showing him fantasizing about shooting a Republican colleague and harming his children. While Republicans demand he drop out, many Democratic endorsers have not withdrawn support. Jones has apologized for the remarks.
In October 2025, a National Review report revealed text messages from 2022 in which Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general, expressed violent fantasies toward former state House Speaker Todd Gilbert, a Republican. Jones compared Gilbert to Hitler and Pol Pot, stating, "Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head." He also suggested harm to Gilbert's children and said he would attend Republican lawmakers' funerals "to piss on their graves."
Jones, who is running in the 2025 election alongside gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, has apologized, calling the messages "embarrassing and shameful" and noting he reached out to Gilbert and his family. The scandal has drawn sharp rebukes from Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social that Jones should "drop out of the race immediately." Current Virginia AG Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears questioned his fitness for office, with Gov. Glenn Youngkin urging him to "step away in disgrace." Republican Del. Tara Durant criticized silent endorsers like Rep. Eugene Vindman, who reaffirmed support for Jones on X.
Democratic responses have been mixed but largely supportive. Sen. Mark Warner called the texts "appalling" and "inconsistent with the person I’ve known," while Sen. Tim Kaine stated, "There is nothing that can justify these indefensible words... it’s up to Virginians to decide." Spanberger condemned the language but did not call for withdrawal, saying she told Jones to "fully take responsibility." Endorsers like Sen. Cory Booker and Reps. Eugene Vindman, Robert Scott, and Suhas Subramanyam have not rescinded support. House Speaker Don Scott urged voters at a church event not to be "distracted" by the texts. The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee affirmed backing, stating Jones has "taken responsibility, apologized."
Everytown for Gun Safety, which endorsed Jones in June 2025 and donated $200,000 in August, has not commented on rescinding aid. Additional reports highlight past actions: In 2020, Del. Carrie Coyner claimed Jones suggested police deaths could reform behavior during qualified immunity debates, which Jones denied, saying, "I did not say this. I have never believed... any harm should come to law enforcement." In 2021, Jones demanded the firing of a Norfolk police lieutenant for a $25 donation to Kyle Rittenhouse's defense fund, calling it "utterly disgusting."