Virginia Attorney General Candidate Apologizes for Violent Text Messages

Virginia’s Democratic attorney general candidate, Jay Jones, has publicly apologized after controversial text messages surfaced. In these messages, dating back to 2022, he suggested violence against fellow politician Todd Gilbert, stating he should receive “two bullets to the head.” This incident has sparked significant backlash in a competitive election season.

Context of the Controversy

The messages first came to light through a report by The National Review. Jones is running against Republican incumbent Jason Miyares for the state’s top legal position. Early voting for the November elections is currently underway, intensifying the scrutiny on Jones.

Responses to the Text Messages

Jones swiftly took responsibility for his words, acknowledging their inappropriateness. In his apology, he expressed disgust at his previous comments, stating, “Reading back those words made me sick to my stomach. I am embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry.” He also reached out to Gilbert and his family to convey his remorse.

Political Reactions

• Jason Miyares condemned Jones, questioning his suitability for public office.
• Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, expressed her disappointment and called for accountability.
• Ghazala Hashmi, candidate for lieutenant governor, emphasized that political violence should never be tolerated.
• The Republican Attorneys General Association referred to Jones’ messages as “abhorrent,” urging him to withdraw from the race.

Broader Implications

This incident has drawn attention not only for its content but also for its timing, coinciding with heightened concerns over political violence in the United States. Recent events have raised alarms about threats facing public figures, making this situation particularly sensitive. Both parties are now keenly aware of how these developments may influence the upcoming midterm elections.

Despite being a former legislator, Jones is not currently in office, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. His comments about Gilbert had previously included graphic references to Gilbert’s family, prompting Coyner, a colleague, to urge him to stop the conversation.

Conclusion

The fallout from Jones’ messages is far from over. As the election approaches, both his campaign and the responses from other candidates will continue to shape the narrative in Virginia’s political landscape.