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3h ago

Virginia AG Nominee Jay Jones Apologizes for Violent 2022 Texts, Says He Will Stay in Race

Republican organizations urge his exit, with Democratic allies condemning the messages.

Jay Jones addresses supporters after winning the Democratic nomination for Virginia Attorney General on June 17.
In this March 4, 2020 file photo Del. Jay Jones, D-Norfolk, reacts to the passage of a bill relating to electric utility at the Capitol in Richmond, Va. Jones sponsored a bill, passed by the Senate, calling for the removal of a statue of former Sen. Harry Byrd, a staunch segregationist, from the Capitol grounds. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
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Overview

  • Jones issued a public apology, saying he takes full responsibility and has reached out to former House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family.
  • The National Review first published screenshots of Jones’s 2022 texts to Republican Del. Carrie Coyner, which Coyner confirmed as authentic.
  • The messages referenced hypothetically shooting Gilbert and included other inflammatory remarks, prompting bipartisan condemnation.
  • Republican Attorneys General Association called for Jones to withdraw and launched a website hosting the screenshots, as figures like Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Vice President JD Vance pressed for his exit.
  • Jones told local TV he will remain the Democratic nominee against incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, with the controversy unfolding as early voting is underway in Virginia.