OPINION

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is urging Democrat Jay Jones to drop out of the attorney general race after violent 2022 texts resurface. In those messages, Jones made violent remarks about a Republican leader and even wished harm on his children. Youngkin called the comments “beyond disqualifying.”

The Texts Revealed: What Was Said

The messages were sent in August 2022 to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner. She and Jones both served in the Virginia House of Delegates. In those texts, Jones compared then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert to Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot. He wrote that Gilbert “gets two bullets to the head.”

He went on to add, “Three people, two bullets: Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot,” making it clear he believed Gilbert should receive both bullets. Even more shocking, Jones said he wished Gilbert’s children would die, calling them “little fascists.” He also claimed their deaths might change Gilbert’s political views.

Coyner, disturbed by the messages, repeatedly asked Jones to stop, writing, “please stop.” She later said the comments revealed alarming anger and raised questions about Jones’s judgment and fitness for public office.

NEW: VA Democrat AG nominee Jay Jones allegedly once fantasized about shooting House Speaker Todd Gilbert in the head and “pissing” on his grave.

Jones was upset that Republicans were eulogizing recently deceased former state legislator Joe Johnson.

“I will go to their funerals… pic.twitter.com/Qp0ZTIgUEj

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 3, 2025

Reaction, Apology, and Continued Campaigning

Once the texts became public, Jones admitted sending them and issued an emotional apology. He called his words “abhorrent” and said he was “embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry.” Jones claimed he personally apologized to Speaker Gilbert and his family for the horrific remarks.

Despite the outrage, Jones announced he would not withdraw from the race. He insisted that his campaign was about the people of Virginia, not his past mistakes. His campaign team echoed that message, saying he intended to stay focused on voters’ needs rather than political attacks. He then deflected with more political attacks:

Here is a statement from Jay Jones in response to this story: https://t.co/Qx89kg1ih4 pic.twitter.com/FOQkPR5dLI

— Brandon Jarvis (@Jaaavis) October 3, 2025

Republicans Demand Resignation as Democrats Stand Firm

The backlash was immediate. Governor Glenn Youngkin and other Republican leaders condemned the text messages as vile and unacceptable. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears and members of the Republican Attorneys General Association also called for Jones to drop out. They argue that someone who once used violent language toward political opponents could not credibly serve as Virginia’s top law enforcement officer.

Democrats, however, responded differently. While many acknowledged the texts were disturbing, no major Democrats have called for Jones to withdraw, and he has not lost a single endorsement. In fact, several prominent figures have reaffirmed their support, emphasizing forgiveness and focusing on the issues that matter to voters.

Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee for governor, called Jones’s comments “wrong and offensive.” But, she, along with other Democratic leaders, has chosen to move forward with party unity, stressing that one mistake should not define a candidate’s entire career. (MORE NEWS: Leavitt: $37 Trillion Debt Forces Layoffs, Shutdown Cuts)

The divide underscores a sharp partisan contrast. Republicans see the remarks as disqualifying and emblematic of toxic politics, while Democrats describe the controversy as a moment for reflection, redemption, and growth. Despite the uproar, Jones’s campaign remains intact, strengthened by allies who argue that responsibility and reform can coexist in public service.

Broader Context: The Race, Past Conduct, and Stakes

Jay Jones’s campaign was already facing scrutiny before the texts emerged. In 2022, he was cited for reckless driving after being clocked at 116 miles per hour on a Virginia interstate. He avoided jail time by completing community service, but the incident raised concerns about his maturity and judgment.

Now, with these text messages resurfacing, many voters see a troubling pattern. Critics argue that his behavior shows a lack of discipline and self-control—traits unacceptable for someone seeking to become attorney general.

Jones is challenging incumbent Republican Jason Miyares in a race that had been expected to be one of the tightest in the state. Virginia is considered a political bellwether, meaning its elections often reflect broader national trends. Before the scandal, early polls showed Jones within striking distance of Miyares, but the controversy may now shift the balance.

Early voting is already underway, making the timing particularly damaging. Many observers believe the release of the messages could swing undecided voters toward Miyares, especially those concerned about civility and respect in politics. (MORE NEWS: Des Moines Superintendent Arrested by ICE: Fake Degrees, Crimes)

The Takeaway

As the scandal continues to unfold, the pressure on Jay Jones shows no sign of easing. Political insiders are watching to see whether he will eventually bow out or double down and try to weather the storm. If he stays in the race, he faces an uphill battle to rebuild trust with voters and his own party.

Democratic leaders appear determined to stand by him. Rather than distancing themselves, many have chosen to defend Jones and emphasize his apology. Their response suggests that, much like the loyalty shown to President Biden despite growing concerns about his cognitive health, Democrats will continue to support Jones no matter what. The party seems focused on unity and winning in November, even if that means backing a candidate with serious credibility issues.

Governor Youngkin’s demand for Jones’s resignation underscores the seriousness of the moment. Voters will decide in November whether words spoken in anger should end a political career—or if redemption is possible just a month before the election. This election will determine whether Virginians are willing to accept a flawed and untrustworthy candidate rather than risk letting a Republican win.

What happens next will not only determine Jay Jones’s future but also send a powerful message about the standards Americans expect from those seeking to lead them.