Virginia Democrats stand by AG nominee Jay Jones despite vile texts about Republicans
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA: Virginia Democrats are facing backlash for standing by Attorney General nominee Jay Jones after a series of violent and disturbing text messages surfaced, showing him fantasizing about Republican state House Speaker Todd Gilbert being assassinated.
Despite the revelations, Virginia Beach Democrats issued a statement defending Jones, calling him a leader of “integrity and accountability,” while gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger condemned his language but stopped short of demanding he withdraw from the race.
Dems defend Jay Jones despite violent texts
The controversy erupted after the National Review published a report on Friday detailing messages Jones allegedly sent in 2022 to Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner. In the texts, Jones reportedly wrote, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot,” adding, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”
Coyner, disturbed by the messages, responded, “Jay. Please stop. It really bothers me when you talk about hurting people or wishing death on them.”
Jones allegedly began the exchange by expressing anger over tributes paid to a late Democratic legislator, saying, “If those guys die before me, I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves. Send them out awash in something.”
According to the report, Jones even told Coyner during a phone call that Gilbert’s wife should watch her children die to understand his policies, remarks Coyner described as horrifying. “You were talking about hoping Jennifer Gilbert’s children would die,” Coyner later texted.
In response, Jones allegedly wrote, “Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy. I mean do I think Todd and Jennifer are evil? And that they’re breeding little fascists? Yes.”
Jay Jones apologizes after backlash
Following widespread outrage, Jones issued an apology after initially dismissing criticism as “smears” from his Republican opponent, incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares.
“I take full responsibility for my actions, and I want to issue my deepest apology to Speaker Gilbert and his family,” Jones said. “Reading back those words made me sick to my stomach. I am embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry.”
Despite the apology, Democratic leaders have not withdrawn support. The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee released a statement saying, “Recent press may have spotlighted past mistakes. We say, let those without sin cast the first stone.”
“Jay Jones has taken responsibility, apologized, and shown he is committed to serving with integrity and accountability that his public record already shows,” the statement added.
Gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger expressed disgust at Jones’ comments but declined to demand he step down.
“After learning of these comments earlier today, I spoke frankly with Jay about my disgust with what he had said and texted,” Spanberger said. “I made clear to Jay that he must fully take responsibility for his words. What I have also made clear is that as a candidate—and the next Governor of our Commonwealth, I will always condemn violent language in our politics.”
Race for attorney general remains tight
Jones, who previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2018 to 2022, has been locked in a tight race with Miyares, according to recent polls. The revelations come amid a national climate of political tension, just weeks after conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s shooting, further fueling concerns about rising political violence.
Despite calls for accountability, Jones’ campaign has not faltered, with many Democrats continuing to rally behind him, a stance that has drawn criticism from conservatives and moderates alike.
