Overview
- Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, President Trump praised Republican gubernatorial nominee Winsome Earle-Sears, called Democrat Abigail Spanberger a “disaster,” and told voters to back the GOP ticket.
- Trump lashed out at Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones over leaked 2022 texts fantasizing about killing then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family; Jones has apologized and called the messages embarrassing.
- Polling in the attorney general race has tightened, with Decision Desk HQ showing a 46.4% tie last week and GOP-aligned surveys putting incumbent Jason Miyares ahead, while an earlier CNU poll had Spanberger leading Earle-Sears by 10 points.
- Jones launched a six-figure statewide ad tying Miyares to Trump on issues like prices, health care and abortion, seeking to stabilize his campaign as Republicans continue to highlight the texts.
- Spanberger has not withdrawn her endorsement of Jones, a stance Republicans are exploiting in ads, even as Democrats stress affordability and reproductive rights; Sen. Tim Kaine said he does not expect the controversy to sink Spanberger.