Fact Check: Did Jay Jones attempt to kick dog outside Virginia polling booth?

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: A video that recently surfaced on social media shows Democrat Jay Jones interacting with a small dog outside a polling location.

The clip, shared by Klarke Kilgore, Chief of Staff to Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, quickly gained traction online. As per NBC News, Jones has since won the race for Virginia Attorney General.

The footage sparked heated debate, with viewers questioning its context. Was Jones attempting to kick the dog? What exactly transpired in the video? Let’s take a closer look. 

Claim: Jay Jones caught on video appearing to kick a dog outside Virginia polling station

A video shared by Kilgore on November 4, 2025, gained over 855,600 views and 1,700 reactions. It shows Jones standing near a polling station entrance when a woman with a leashed dog approaches. As the dog moves forward, Jones raises his foot, appearing to kick or swing at the dog

Kilgore’s tweet, “Did @jonesjay just try to kick a dog?” prompted widespread discussion, with viewers sharing their opinions and interpretations. This incident has added to earlier controversies surrounding Jones, including leaked 2022 text messages where he reportedly imagined violent actions toward a Republican colleague and their children. 

The video quickly gained momentum under the hashtag #DogKickingVideo, further intensifying scrutiny of Jones’ past actions and statements.

Fact Check: Jay Jones did not kick the dog in the viral video

A closer examination of the video reveals that Jones' foot does not make contact with the dog. His motion is directed at the dog, but it stops mid-air, suggesting he was likely attempting to get the dog’s attention rather than harm it. 

At the 0.07-second mark, the dog is still out of reach, and there is no indication in the rest of the footage that Jones intended to kick the dog. The motion appears playful rather than aggressive, though Jones did not respond or offer any clarification following the video's release.

Jay Jones wins Virginia Attorney General race

On November 5, 2025, Jay Jones won the race for Virginia Attorney General, defeating Republican Jason Miyares. At 36, Jones made history as the first Black person to hold the office. His victory came after a highly contentious election and high voter turnout, reflecting strong engagement from Virginia residents.

In a tweet celebrating the win, Jones thanked voters across Virginia, saying, "Thrilled to be out in Henrico with friends @ScVanValkenburg, @lashrecseaird, and @DPVAChair, greeting voters and closing out this campaign strong!"