Virginia AG Candidate Jay Jones Apologizes for Violent 2022 Texts Targeting Republican Speaker Todd Gilbert
Virginia Democratic AG candidate Jay Jones apologized for 2022 texts suggesting violence against then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children, sparking bipartisan criticism and calls for his withdrawal.
Overview
- Virginia Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones has apologized for controversial 2022 text messages suggesting violence against then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert and wishing harm on his children.
- The National Review first reported the texts, which Jones' campaign did not dispute, depicting political violence and disrupting the Virginia attorney general race.
- Jones has received bipartisan criticism for the messages, with Miyares questioning his suitability for the attorney general position, while Gilbert has refused to comment.
- The Republican Attorneys General Association, VP Vance, and Speaker Johnson have all demanded Jones withdraw from the campaign due to the inflammatory nature of his leaked text messages.
- Jones has issued multiple apologies, taking full responsibility for his comments, expressing deep remorse, and reaching out to those affected by his controversial remarks.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the widespread condemnation and severe political repercussions of Jay Jones's text messages. They highlight the bipartisan criticism and connect the incident to a broader "escalating threat of political violence," positioning Jones "on the defensive" and underscoring the gravity of his remarks.
"Jones' comments have drawn bipartisan condemnation, with calls for him to withdraw from the race due to the violent nature of his remarks."
USA TODAY"The revelation about the text messages shook up the campaign and comes as both parties seek advantage in statewide races being closely watched for trends heading into next year's midterm elections, when control of Congress is at stake."
ABC News"The revelation about the text messages shook up the campaign and comes as both parties seek advantage in statewide races being closely watched for trends heading into next year’s midterm elections, when control of Congress is at stake."
Associated Press"Jay Jones' horrific comments are a symptom of the entire Democratic Party, and his running mate, Abigail Spanberger, needs to call on him to drop out."
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FAQ
The 2022 text messages from Jay Jones suggested violence against then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert and included wishes for harm to befall Gilbert's children, which sparked widespread criticism.
Jones has faced bipartisan criticism; Republican Attorneys General Association, Virginia GOP leaders, and others have demanded his withdrawal from the attorney general race, while Speaker Todd Gilbert has declined to comment.
Jay Jones has issued multiple apologies, taking full responsibility for his comments, expressing deep remorse, and reaching out to those affected by his remarks.
Jay Jones is a Democratic attorney and politician, former member of the Virginia House of Delegates (2018–2022), former Assistant Attorney General for D.C., and the 2025 Democratic nominee for Virginia Attorney General.
Jay Jones is running against Republican incumbent Jason Miyares in the 2025 Virginia attorney general race; critics from the Republican party including Miyares and national attorneys general associations have condemned Jones' texts.
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