Particle.news
Download on the App Store
27 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Jay Jones Cancels Fundraiser as Law Enforcement and GOP Leaders Press Him to Quit Virginia AG Race

The scandal has triggered heightened pressure to withdraw alongside a rush of new attack ads funded by Republican groups.

Former Del. Jay Jones has won the Democratic nomination in the race for Virginia attorney general. (Credit:{ }Jay Jones for Virginia)
Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones sat down for a town hall with ABC13's Pat Simon. (WSET)
Image
Image

Overview

  • Jones apologized for 2022 texts about shooting then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert and wishing harm on his children, but he remains in the race after canceling a Thursday fundraiser reported to be at author David Baldacci’s home.
  • The Virginia Law Enforcement Sheriffs’ Association and the Fraternal Order of Police of Virginia called on Jones to withdraw, citing the violent rhetoric as disqualifying.
  • Sen. Tim Kaine called the messages indefensible yet said he still supports Jones, reflecting a broader Democratic stance condemning the language without pushing him off the ticket.
  • The Republican Governors Association added $1.5 million to the governor’s race and incumbent AG Jason Miyares funded $1.5 million in ads spotlighting the texts, as Winsome Earle-Sears rolled out new ads linking Abigail Spanberger to the controversy.
  • Virginia Public Access Project data show 359,379 early votes were cast before the texts became public, potentially limiting immediate electoral consequences even as campaigns escalate their messaging.