Virginia Attorney General Candidate Jay Jones Under Fire Over Violent Text Messages

Virginia’s Democratic nominee for attorney general, Jay Jones, is facing mounting criticism after private text messages from 2022 resurfaced in which he appeared to suggest a colleague should be shot. The messages, first reported by the National Review and verified by CNN, were sent to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner.

In one text, Jones referenced then-Speaker of the House Todd Gilbert, writing, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, hitler, and pol pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” The exchange also included a remark about Gilbert’s children, claiming they were “breeding little fascists.”

After the texts became public, Jones issued a statement apologizing to Gilbert and his family, calling the comments “embarrassing, shameful, and sickening.” He said he has personally reached out to apologize and pledged to take full accountability. Despite the uproar, Jones confirmed in a local television interview that he plans to continue his campaign.

Coyner condemned the messages as “disturbing and disqualifying,” while several prominent Virginia Republicans, including Governor Glenn Youngkin and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, called on Jones to drop out of the race. The Republican Attorneys General Association has also launched a website, jayjonestexts.com, displaying screenshots of the messages.

Democrats, too, are distancing themselves from Jones. Senator Mark Warner called the comments “appalling,” and Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger said she spoke directly with Jones, expressing her “disgust” and urging him to take full responsibility.

The controversy comes amid heightened national concern over politically charged rhetoric following the assassination of Republican activist Charlie Kirk and the politically motivated killing of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband earlier this year.

Before the texts surfaced, polling showed a tight race between Jones and incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, with Jones holding a narrow lead. Early voting for Virginia’s statewide elections is already underway.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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