Trump Urges Jay Jones to Exit Virginia AG Race After Violent 2022 Texts Surface

Screenshots first published by National Review show Jones texting Republican Del. Carrie Coyner in 2022 that in a hypothetical he would give then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert “two bullets to the head” and that he would “piss on” opponents’ graves. Jones issued a public apology, said he contacted Gilbert’s wife and children to express regret, and told local TV he will stay in the contest; he was no longer a delegate when the messages were sent. Republican leaders escalated pressure for Jones to withdraw, with Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Republican Attorneys General Association, Vice President J. D. Vance, and President Trump all calling for him to leave the race. Democrats including Abigail Spanberger and Sen. Mark Warner condemned the language and pressed Jones to take responsibility, while some party allies signaled continued support without urging him to step aside. A separate report this week detailed a 2022 reckless-driving case in which Jones completed 500 hours of community service through his own PAC, as polling before the texts showed him leading incumbent AG Jason Miyares 51% to 45% among likely voters.