Texas State Rep. Jolanda Jones, a Democrat running for Congress, ignited nationwide criticism Wednesday after a live CNN appearance in which she threatened to slash Republicans’ throats if bullied.
CNN host Erin Burnett did not challenge the remarks, prompting conservatives to accuse both Jones and the network of normalizing violent rhetoric.
During the interview, Jones described herself as someone “from the hood” who does not adhere to conventional rules when facing opposition.
“I’m from the hood, okay!? So when the bully comes, like—if there are no rules you have to figure it out so Donald Trump has changed things,” she said.
She continued, “If you hit me in my face, I’m not gonna punch you back in my face, I’m gonna go across your neck.”
Jones also voiced concern that Democrats are losing support among black and poor voters because they are not fighting aggressively enough.
She referenced her discussions with New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, declaring Democrats must “wipe out every Republican” in blue states such as New York, California and Illinois.
Observers and commentators criticized not only Jones but also Burnett for failing to push back during the exchange.
Conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman wrote on X, “This kind of vile rhetoric is spewed with malicious intent. They want more lives taken.”
Former U.S. Department of Energy employee Matt Van Swol added, “I’m so sorry… But how ON EARTH does Erin Burnett just sit there and watch Jolanda Jones just call for the murder of a Republicans???? Why didn’t she say anything?!!!!”
Another X account, MAZE, reacted, “Go CNN! Way to turn down the temperature.”
Jones represents parts of Houston in the Texas Legislature and is seeking election to Texas’s 18th Congressional District, according to The Gateway Pundit.
On her campaign website, she highlights defending abortion rights, expanding healthcare access and opposing so-called “Trump cuts” to Medicaid, Social Security and education.
Her comments arrive amid growing concern over violent political language and attacks in the U.S.
Conservatives point to the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk as evidence that threats and inflammatory speech from public figures can contribute to a dangerous environment.
Adding to the spotlight on left-leaning figures, Virginia Democratic nominee Jay Jones recently faced backlash after a series of text messages surfaced in which he fantasized about shooting Republican former House Speaker Todd Gilbert “two bullets to the head” and said he would “piss on their graves” of other Republicans.
The messages prompted bipartisan condemnation and raised questions about whether violent rhetoric should disqualify candidates or warrant closer scrutiny.
The text-message scandal has already become a central talking point in the Virginia Attorney General race, with voters and commentators debating the responsibility of political figures to model civility.
Both the Jolanda Jones remarks and Jay Jones’ texts underscore concerns that media and voters may be holding parties to different standards when it comes to violent language.
With midterm elections approaching, the discussion over political rhetoric, media accountability and the influence of inflammatory speech on public safety is intensifying.
Analysts warn that unchecked extreme language, combined with real-world acts of violence, risks further polarizing the electorate and eroding trust in political institutions.
As public scrutiny grows, questions remain about whether networks like CNN will confront candidates who make violent threats on air and how political campaigns might respond to rising alarm over language that blurs the line between speech and incitement.
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