A Democratic candidate for Virginia’s Attorney General sent text messages wishing death upon a Republican lawmaker and his children, creating a political firestorm that threatens to reshape the state’s upcoming election.
Story Highlights
- Jay Jones sent violent text messages in August 2022 targeting GOP House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family
- Governor Glenn Youngkin and both gubernatorial candidates demanded Jones drop out of the race
- The messages surfaced just weeks before Election Day, creating maximum political damage
- Jones apologized but refused calls to withdraw from the Attorney General race
When Politics Turns Deadly Serious
Jay Jones thought his August 2022 text messages would remain private forever. The Democratic candidate for Virginia’s Attorney General sent violent fantasies to Republican Delegate Connie Coiner, expressing wishes that GOP House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children would be shot dead. The messages represented more than poor judgment—they revealed a mindset completely incompatible with the state’s top law enforcement position.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Virginia Democrats. With early voting already underway and Election Day approaching rapidly, the party faces an unprecedented crisis. Their candidate for the state’s highest legal office stands accused of harboring violent fantasies against political opponents and innocent children. The scandal threatens to drag down the entire Democratic ticket in a closely watched election year.
Bipartisan Condemnation Erupts
Governor Glenn Youngkin led the charge demanding Jones withdraw from the race, calling the messages “disqualifying” and “shameful.” The Republican governor’s criticism carried extra weight given his measured approach to political controversies. Current Attorney General Jason Miyares, seeking reelection, seized on the opportunity to highlight the stark contrast between his professional conduct and his opponent’s disturbing communications.
This violent, disgusting rhetoric targeted at an elected official and his children is beyond disqualifying.
Jay Jones said that “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head” and then hoped his children would die. Read those words again.
There is no “gosh, I’m sorry” here. Jones… https://t.co/kOJD0cexlh
— Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) October 4, 2025
Even more damaging for Jones, prominent Democrats abandoned ship immediately. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger expressed disgust and urged Jones to take responsibility for his actions. Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle Sears joined the chorus calling for his withdrawal. The bipartisan nature of the condemnation left Jones politically isolated at the worst possible moment.
The Attorney General’s Dilemma
Virginia’s Attorney General serves as the state’s chief legal officer, responsible for upholding law and order while maintaining public trust in the justice system. The position requires unimpeachable character and sound judgment under pressure. Jones’ text messages reveal someone capable of fantasizing about violence against political opponents—hardly the temperament voters expect from their top prosecutor.
The controversy extends beyond mere political embarrassment. Virginia voters must now consider whether someone who privately wishes death upon elected officials and their families possesses the moral authority to lead the state’s legal apparatus. The question becomes particularly relevant given the Attorney General’s role in protecting all Virginians, regardless of political affiliation.
A Campaign in Crisis Mode
Jones issued the standard political apology, acknowledging his comments were inappropriate while attempting to minimize their significance. His refusal to withdraw from the race suggests either remarkable political stubbornness or a fundamental misunderstanding of public sentiment. The damage appears irreversible, with even sympathetic Democrats distancing themselves from his candidacy.
The scandal illuminates broader concerns about political discourse in America. While heated rhetoric has become commonplace, Jones crossed into territory that most Americans find unacceptable. His comments targeted not just a political opponent but innocent children, revealing a level of animosity that shocks even hardened political observers. Virginia voters now face a clear choice between maintaining standards of decency in public office or rewarding the very behavior that degrades American political culture.
Sources:
Youngkin: Jay Jones texts ‘demented’
