Democratic Virginia Attorney General nominee Jay Jones is facing renewed controversy after text messages from August 2022 surfaced showing him making threatening comments toward one of his political opponents.
The messages, obtained by National Review, depict Jones joking about harming Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and making alarming remarks regarding Gilbert’s family.
In the exchanges, Jones suggested that if he had only two bullets and could choose between two historical dictators or Gilbert, he would choose Gilbert “every time.”
When pressed by former state legislative colleague Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner about the appropriateness of his language, Jones defended his statements as illustrative of his view that policymakers only respond when they personally experience consequences.
During the discussion, Jones reportedly asked Coyner to imagine Gilbert’s child suffering to make his point, prompting her to end the conversation.
Coyner described the texts as “disturbing and disqualifying for anyone who wants to seek public office” and shared screenshots with Gilbert at the time.
Jones has not denied sending the messages but has framed them as rhetorical examples about policymaking.
His campaign has dismissed criticism as politically motivated, alleging that Republican groups, including incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, are seeking to undermine his candidacy.
Jones’ controversy is compounded by his professional record.
A Richmond Times-Dispatch investigation highlighted a 2022 reckless driving conviction after he was stopped traveling 116 mph on Interstate 64.
He received a $1,500 fine and performed 1,000 community service hours, half of which were credited to his political action committee.
Critics also question his limited prosecutorial experience, progressive legislative record and claims regarding involvement in a legal victory against a “ghost gun” manufacturer in Washington, D.C.
The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) has called on Jones to withdraw from the race, citing his history of extreme rhetoric and positions they deem radical.
RAGA Executive Director Adam Piper labeled Jones as “the worst of the worst,” emphasizing that the “text messages speak for themselves.”
These revelations come amid heightened concerns about political violence.
Conservatives remain on edge following the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah and threats against Virginia Republicans, including Delegate Kim Taylor.
Observers note that the resurfacing of Jones’ texts adds to an already tense political climate as early voting continues in the state.
As the November election approaches, Jones faces intensified scrutiny over both his private communications and his public record.
Supporters maintain his comments were rhetorical, reflecting broader critiques of systemic issues in governance, while critics argue they reveal a troubling approach to political discourse and personal accountability.
The combination of incendiary text messages, legal questions and policy positions presents a complex picture of the 36-year-old candidate.
Voters must now weigh whether Jones’ rhetoric and professional history suggest personal shortcomings or a distinct ideological approach to law enforcement and criminal justice in Virginia.
With multiple layers of controversy, his campaign faces a challenging path in one of the state’s most closely watched races, which could have lasting implications for the political landscape.
