Overview

• Screenshots first published by National Review show Jay Jones in 2022 texting GOP Del. Carrie Coyner about shooting then‑Speaker Todd Gilbert and appearing to endorse harm to Gilbert’s children; several outlets say they have not independently verified the messages, and Jones has apologized without disputing their authenticity.
• President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Republicans urged Jones to leave the race, as incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares released a new ad highlighting the texts.
• Virginia Fraternal Order of Police President Ray Clemons sent a letter calling Jones “unfit” and demanding he withdraw immediately, saying such rhetoric has no place in a candidate for the state’s top law‑enforcement post.
• Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger criticized Jones’ language but did not call for his exit, and Sen. Tim Kaine said the comments were indefensible yet affirmed his support for Jones; some local Democratic committees publicly reaffirmed support.
• A new allegation that Jones in 2020 suggested police deaths could spur policy change was reported by Virginia Scope and denied by Jones, as early voting continues and pre‑scandal polling showed him leading Miyares.