Virginia AG candidate Jay Jones faces calls to drop out over violent texts
Democratic Virginia attorney general nominee Jay Jones is under intense pressure to withdraw from the 2025 race following the resurfacing of his 2022 text messages that fantasized about shooting a Republican lawmaker and harming his family. Republicans and law enforcement groups have demanded his exit, while some Democrats have condemned the remarks but stopped short of revoking support. The scandal has prompted additional GOP funding in related races and scrutiny of Jones' past lenient legal treatment.
The controversy erupted last week when National Review reported on text messages Jay Jones sent in 2022, in which he compared former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, a Republican, to Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot. Jones wrote that if given two bullets, he would use both to shoot Gilbert in the head, and suggested harm should come to Gilbert's young "fascist" children while his wife watched. The messages also allegedly included remarks that more police officers should be killed to reduce civilian shootings, though Jones has denied making those comments.
Jones, who is running for attorney general in the November 2025 election, apologized for the texts, calling them "embarrassing and shameful" and stating he had personally reached out to Gilbert and his family. The scandal drew irony from a 2021 X post by Jones, where he urged Republican candidate Hahns Copeland to "drop out of the race" over a controversial social media comment, adding, "Hate has no place in this Commonwealth, my guy."
Republicans quickly amplified calls for Jones to withdraw. Virginia state Sen. Glen Sturtevant posted on X, "Update?" while the Republican Attorneys General Association tweeted, "@JonesJay you should drop out of the race. And delete your account." The Virginia Law Enforcement Sheriffs' Association, representing 86 sheriffs, sent a letter on October 8 demanding Jones exit, describing his statements as "disgusting" and "unacceptable." Association president Sheriff Richard Vaughn wrote, "We will not follow an individual who has made such vile statements against citizens and the men and women in uniform."
Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., a former attorney general, called the remarks "sickening" and said Jones "ought to step down." Smyth County Sheriff Chip Schuler and Commonwealth's Attorney Bucky Blevins echoed this, stating the attorney general must embody "discipline, restraint, and integrity."
Democrats have offered mixed responses. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who has known Jones for 25 years, said the statements were "not in character" and praised his apology, adding, "I wish other people in public life would sincerely apologize for stuff." Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., called the texts "appalling" but did not demand a dropout. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear described the language as "absolutely inappropriate" and condemned political violence, but said he did not know enough to comment on the candidacy.
The fallout has political ripple effects. The Republican Governors Association announced $1.5 million in support for Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears' gubernatorial campaign against Abigail Spanberger, leveraging the scandal in ads that link Democrats to "rage." Billionaire heiress Elizabeth Simons emerged as Jones' largest individual donor with $750,000 in contributions.
Adding to scrutiny, Jones received a lenient sentence for a 2022 reckless driving conviction after speeding 116 mph in a 70 mph zone: a $1,500 fine and 1,000 hours of community service. Comparable cases reviewed by 7News often resulted in jail time and license suspensions, including one driver at 115 mph who served 10 days in jail and lost driving privileges for six months.