WASHINGTON — Despite the controversy surrounding their candidate, Democrats are steadfastly supporting Jay Jones, nominee for Attorney General in Virginia. This comes after disturbing text messages emerged depicting Jones fantasizing about the assassination of Republican state House Speaker Todd Gilbert.
Democrats from Virginia Beach are asserting that Jones will conduct himself with “integrity and accountability.” Gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger has also refrained from disowning him, even in light of alarming messages where Jones suggested Gilbert should receive “two bullets to the head” and referred to his children as “little fascists.”
“While recent press reports may have highlighted past errors,” asserted Virginia Beach Democrats in a statement. “Let those without faults be the first to cast judgement.”
“Jay Jones has acknowledged his errors, issued apologies, and demonstrated his commitment to serving with the integrity and accountability reflected in his public record. Virginians are entitled to a leader who learns, evolves, and advocates for everyday citizens—and Jay embodies that leadership,” his supporters continued.
Jones is locked in a tight contest against conservative incumbent AG Jason Miyares, according to the majority of recent polls.
On Friday, National Review published explosive allegations detailing a number of unsettling messages Jones sent in 2022.
“Three people, two bullets,” one of the derogatory texts sent at 8 a.m. on Aug. 8, 2022, stated, later obtained by The Post. “Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot.”
“Gilbert gets two bullets to the head,” Jones added, further stating, “He’d be placed in a group with the two worst individuals you can name, and he would take both bullets every time.”
The texts, first brought to light by National Review on Friday, were directed towards Delegate Carrie Coyner, who was understandably disturbed by the content.
Coyner responded to Jones, saying, “Jay. Please stop.”
Jones had previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2018 until January 2022.
“I find it really troubling when you mention harming others or wishing death upon them,” Coyner expressed.
Jones had initiated the exchange, lamenting about the “glowing tributes” being given to centrist Democrat Joe Johnson Jr.—a former state legislator who had recently passed away.
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“If any of those guys die before I do,” Jones proclaimed, “I’ll attend their funerals just to spit on their graves.
“Let them go out soaked in something,” he added.
Jones then escalated further during a follow-up call with Coyner, cruelly speculating that the wife of Gilbert might witness her children’s deaths, hoping it would change Gilbert’s perspective, according to the National Review report.
“You weren’t trying to understand,” Coyner texted back after reportedly ending the call. “You were suggesting that Jennifer Gilbert’s children should perish.”
Jones countered, stating, “Yes, I’ve mentioned this before. People only shift their policies when they personally experience pain.”
“Do I believe Todd and Jennifer are evil? And that they are raising little fascists? Absolutely,” Jones asserted.
Initially, he refrained from apologizing for his concerning text messages, criticizing Miyares for “resorting to smears.”
Eventually, he claimed to have reached out to Gilbert and his wife to express regret for his “serious error.”
“I assume full responsibility for my words, and I wish to extend my deepest apologies to Speaker Gilbert and his family. Reflecting on those messages was sickening to me. I feel embarrassed, ashamed, and regretful,” Jones stated in a later statement.
Prominent Virginia Democrats have mostly opted not to demand Jones step away from the campaign. His alarming texts resurface amidst a backdrop of conservatives reeling from the assassination of Charlie Kirk as the nation grapples with increasing political violence.
Spanberger voiced her disapproval of Jones’ remarks but did not call for his withdrawal from the race.
“After I learned of these comments today, I spoke candidly with Jay about my abhorrence regarding his statements and messages,” Spanberger mentioned in a statement.
“I made it clear to Jay that he must completely take ownership of his language. Furthermore, as a candidate and the prospective Governor of our Commonwealth, I will always denounce violent rhetoric in our political discourse.”
