Democrat Jay Jones Wins Virginia Attorney General Race Amid Text Message Controversy
Democrat Jay Jones won Virginia's Attorney General race, defeating incumbent Jason Miyares, despite backlash and apologies for controversial 2022 text messages endorsing violence.
Choosing Violence: Jay 'Two Bullets' Jones Wins Virginia Attorney General Race
Washington Free Beacon
Jones narrowly defeats Miyares in Virginia attorney general race
Washington Examiner
Overview
- Democrat Jay Jones secured victory in the Virginia Attorney General race, defeating Republican incumbent Jason Miyares, despite a significant scandal involving controversial text messages.
- The scandal centered on text messages sent by Jones in 2022, where he reportedly fantasized about murdering a political opponent and their children, causing widespread backlash.
- Jones publicly apologized for the private messages endorsing violence, addressing the controversy in statements and during a debate held in October.
- Despite the controversy, Jones's campaign included appearances at rallies with prominent figures like former President Barack Obama and Rep. Abigail Spanberger.
- Incumbent Jason Miyares ran a tough-on-crime campaign but ultimately lost his reelection bid to Jones, who will now serve as Virginia's Attorney General.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Jay Jones's victory as one achieved "despite" significant controversy surrounding his "widely condemned texts embracing violence." They emphasize how he "weathered the storm," highlighting the political challenges and even the silence of some fellow Democrats on his endorsement. This collective editorial choice positions his win as a triumph over a major character issue, suggesting ongoing scrutiny.
"His victory is a landmark moment for Black Virginians in a statewide contest that was already poised to make history, with voters choosing between two women to elect the state’s first female governor."
Associated Press"Despite facing a scandal over violent text messages, Democrat Jay Jones won the Virginia attorney general's race, defeating GOP incumbent Jason Miyares."
CBS News"Jones defeated Republican Jason Miyares, the incumbent who served one term."
NBC NewsArticles (13)
Center (3)
FAQ
The controversial 2022 text messages from Jay Jones included fantasies about murdering a political opponent and their children, which led to widespread backlash.
Jay Jones publicly apologized for the private messages endorsing violence and addressed the controversy both in statements and during an October debate.
Jay Jones's campaign included appearances at rallies with prominent figures such as former President Barack Obama and Rep. Abigail Spanberger, which helped bolster his support despite the controversy.
Jason Miyares ran a tough-on-crime campaign during his reelection bid but ultimately lost to Jay Jones.
As Virginia Attorney General, Jay Jones will serve as the state's chief legal officer, overseeing legal affairs, representing the state in legal matters, and directing law enforcement policies.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.