Table of Contents
Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general, is under fire after 2022 text messages surfaced in which he expressed violent sentiments toward former Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert.
Despite the uproar, Virginia Democrats continue to support Jones, with none publicly calling for him to exit the race.
Jones sent the messages to Republican state House Delegate Carrie Coyner.
"Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, hitler, and pol pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head," he wrote.
He added, "Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time."
In a follow-up call, Jones reportedly mused that the death of Gilbert’s children might shift the speaker’s political views, stating such grief could be "a good thing" for his agenda.
Coyner urged Jones to stop.
Jones later apologized, calling the remarks "embarrassing and shameful" and claiming he reached out to Gilbert’s family.
"I’m sick to my stomach when I read those words," Jones told WRIC. "They’re objectionable, they’re abhorrent, they have no place in Virginia."
Republicans, including , President Donald Trump, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares, demanded Jones withdraw.
Youngkin called the texts "demented" on Fox & Friends, stating, "This is where the violent left of the Democrat Party is."
Trump labeled the messages "sick" and endorsed Miyares, while Miyares wrote, “If you believe it is okay to wish death upon a political opponent, vote for my opponent."
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears condemned Jones, saying, "The enemy is among us… fantasizing about murdered little children."
Democrat gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger condemned the texts but stopped short of demanding Jones’ exit.
"I spoke frankly with Jay about my disgust,"Spanberger said, emphasizing her stance against violent rhetoric.
Of course, the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee backed Jones, stating, "We are lined up, ten toes down, ready to organize, mobilize and deliver voters for Jay."
The controversy, first reported by National Review, emerges amid heightened political tensions following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
A recent Washington Post poll showed Jones leading Miyares by 6 points, but the scandal could shift Virginia’s tight November election.
Once again, the mask is off. Democrats’ refusal to disavow Jones reveals their dangerous ideology, one that flirts with violence while preaching unity.
Not long ago, such rhetoric echoed in darker times — when Democrats' crosses burned and their lynch mobs roamed, targeting Republicans who dared dissent.
Conversation