Virginia Democrats Back AG Candidate Jay Jones Despite Controversial Violent Texts

Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones is facing intense scrutiny after 2022 text messages surfaced in which he fantasized about violence against then-Republican state House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family. President Trump sharply criticized Jones and gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, accusing Spanberger of weakness for not demanding Jones withdraw from the race. Despite the controversy, many Democrats, including Virginia Beach Democrats, continue to support Jones, emphasizing his apology and commitment to integrity, while Spanberger denounced the messages but stopped short of calling for his exit. Republican opponents, including incumbent AG Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, condemned Jones's texts as disqualifying and indicative of a dangerous mindset. The situation highlights deep partisan divides over accountability and political rhetoric in Virginia's competitive races. The controversy remains a pivotal issue as Jones competes against Miyares in what polling indicates is a close contest.