Overview
- In the lone gubernatorial debate, Abigail Spanberger condemned Jay Jones’ 2022 texts but would not say whether she still endorses him or urge him to leave the race.
- Winsome Earle-Sears repeatedly pressed Spanberger on the issue and is using new ads to tie her to Jones as GOP allies intensify attacks and spending.
- The Republican Governors Association added $1.5 million to boost Earle-Sears, and Attorney General Jason Miyares’ campaign launched a $1.5 million ad buy responding to the texting scandal.
- Jay Jones has apologized, curtailed events, and remains the Democratic attorney general nominee as early voting continues across Virginia.
- Virginia election officials say it is too late to remove or replace a candidate on printed ballots, and reactions have included bipartisan condemnation and calls to withdraw from Republicans including President Trump and law-enforcement groups.