Virginia’s political arena just got a whole lot hotter with shocking text messages from Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones coming to light, revealing violent rhetoric that’s got everyone talking.
Fox News reported that Jones, challenging incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, finds himself under fire after texts from August 2022 surfaced, showing him joking about shooting former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert.
These messages, part of a conversation with Delegate Carrie Coyner, R-Chester, were first reported by National Review and later obtained by Fox News Digital, confirming their authenticity through Coyner’s campaign spokesperson.
In the texts, Jones made a chilling remark about Gilbert, a statement so egregious it’s hard to believe it came from a public figure aspiring to uphold the law.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin didn’t mince words on social media, blasting Jones for rhetoric he called utterly disqualifying for someone seeking high office. Let’s be real—when a candidate’s words veer into violent fantasy, it’s not just a slip; it’s a red flag waving furiously in the wind.
Youngkin went further, declaring, "There is no ‘Gosh, I’m sorry’ here," suggesting that no apology can paper over such a profound lapse in judgment. If character matters—and it should—then this incident raises serious questions about fitness for a role as critical as attorney general.
The Republican Attorneys General Association, led by Chairman Kris Kobach, echoed Youngkin’s sentiments, demanding Jones step aside immediately from the race against Miyares. It’s not just a partisan jab; it’s a plea for basic decency in political discourse.
Coyner’s campaign spokesperson didn’t hold back either, condemning Jones for wishing violence on a colleague’s family, calling it unbecoming of any public official. When even fellow lawmakers can’t stomach the rhetoric, you know the line has been crossed.
Jones, for his part, has owned up to the texts, issuing a public statement of regret to the media. But apologies, while necessary, don’t automatically rebuild trust—especially when the words were so reckless.
In his statement, Jones said, "I take full responsibility for my actions, and I want to issue my deepest apology to Speaker Gilbert and his family."
While it’s commendable to see accountability, one has to wonder if “sorry” cuts it when the remarks were so personal and vicious. Virginians aren’t just looking for contrition; they’re looking for leaders who don’t need to apologize for such things in the first place.
Jones also noted he reached out directly to Gilbert, his wife Jennifer, and their children to express his remorse. That’s a step in the right direction, but personal outreach doesn’t erase the public damage done by words that never should have been typed.
This incident isn’t just about one candidate; it’s a stark reminder of how toxic political dialogue can become when unchecked by common sense or basic respect. In a state that prides itself on civility, this kind of rhetoric feels like a betrayal of Virginia’s values.
Youngkin and the RAGA aren’t wrong to question whether Jones can credibly represent law enforcement or uphold justice after such a misstep.
The attorney general’s office isn’t a place for hotheaded quips—it’s a position demanding restraint and integrity, qualities this episode calls into serious doubt.
Ultimately, this controversy should prompt all of us to demand better from those who seek to lead. Jones may be sorry, but Virginia deserves more than apologies; it deserves leaders whose words build trust, not destroy it. Let’s hope this serves as a wake-up call for candidates across the spectrum to keep discourse civil, even when tempers flare.
