BREAKING: Virginians have elected Democrat Jay Jones as their new Attorney General, despite shocking revelations about violent text messages he sent regarding Republican lawmakers. Just over an hour after polls closed on November 7, 2023, Decision Desk HQ projected Jones’s victory over incumbent Republican Jason Miyares.
In text messages from August 2022, Jones expressed graphic fantasies about killing Republican leaders, including Todd Gilbert, the then-Virginia House Speaker. “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot,” he wrote to state delegate Carrie Coyner, further stating, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” Coyner responded, urging him to stop.
These texts paint a troubling picture of how Jones views his political opponents. He also included comments suggesting harm to the children of these officials, a sentiment that has drawn nationwide condemnation. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin called the messages “violent, disgusting rhetoric” that he believes should disqualify Jones from public office.
Despite the backlash, which included calls for Jones to withdraw from the race, he maintained his candidacy. Democratic leaders, including gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, chose not to demand his withdrawal. Instead, Jones attempted to redirect the conversation to other campaign issues.
The election results have sparked intense discussions about political discourse and accountability. Virginia voters ultimately chose Jones, signaling a complex political landscape where scandalous revelations did not deter his support.
As the news unfolds, many are left questioning the implications of this election and what it means for political rhetoric moving forward. Virginia’s decision to elect Jay Jones as Attorney General will undoubtedly influence the state’s political climate and could reshape discussions around civility in politics.
WHAT’S NEXT: Eyes will be on Jones as he prepares to take office and address the fallout from these revelations. How he navigates this controversy will be critical as he steps into a role that demands integrity and public trust. Follow live updates on this developing story.
