Overview
- At the University of Richmond, Jones opened by apologizing for 2022 texts about shooting then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert and referenced harm to his family.
- Miyares repeatedly argued the messages show Jones lacks the judgment to serve as attorney general, citing law‑enforcement endorsements that have urged Jones to quit.
- Post‑leak surveys show a volatile picture, from a Trafalgar poll putting Miyares near 49% to Jones’ 43% to Decision Desk HQ’s average showing a tie, with dueling internal polls split.
- Republicans escalated pressure and support — including posts from President Trump and other national figures — as Miyares launched a $1.5 million ad campaign highlighting the texts.
- Early voting is underway statewide, and Virginia’s ballot rules make a formal withdrawal impractical now, with Democrats condemning the remarks but not coalescing behind calls for Jones to exit.