Overview

• The 2022 texts, first published by National Review and viewed by The Washington Post, included statements about giving former House Speaker Todd Gilbert "two bullets to the head," and several outlets note they have not independently verified the screenshots.
• President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly urged Jones to withdraw, and Trump endorsed Republican incumbent Jason Miyares for attorney general.
• The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police sent Jones a letter telling him to quit the race immediately, calling him unfit for office; the union has not endorsed a candidate.
• Democratic leaders have condemned the language but mostly stopped short of calling for Jones to step aside, with Sen. Tim Kaine saying he still supports Jones.
• Miyares launched a $1.5 million ad buy highlighting the texts, early voting is underway, and a Jones–Miyares debate is scheduled for Oct. 16 at the University of Richmond.