Pressure is growing for Virginia AG candidate Jay Jones to withdraw.

Virginia Democrats Stand by AG Candidate Amid Controversy

Virginia Democrats are publicly supporting U.S. Attorney General Candidate Jay Jones, even after controversial text messages surfaced where he discusses violent scenarios involving a former Republican Capitol chair. However, there’s some quiet concern among party members that backing him could negatively impact their chances in the upcoming November elections.

“If I were a Democrat running for governor or lieutenant governor of Virginia, I would find a way to distance myself from him as quickly as possible,” one party member suggested. “They should really avoid Jay Jones.”

Former Representative Abigail Spanberger, who is also vying for the Democratic governor nomination, has criticized Jones’s remarks yet still maintains her support. She expressed her concerns in a statement, saying, “After discovering these messages, I spoke openly with Jay about my disapproval of what he said and how he communicated.” She reiterated the need for him to be accountable for his words as he aspires to lead the Commonwealth.

In other states, Democrats have increased their support for Jones, although Senator Tim Kaine described the remarks as a lapse in judgment. “Those comments don’t align with who Jay is. I’ve known him for 25 years, and this just doesn’t reflect his true character,” Kaine noted, continuing to back Jones despite the fallout.

Jones is facing an additional allegation from 2020, where he allegedly suggested that if more police officers died, it might lead to a reduction in violence. He has denied making such statements, countering that using violence in politics is an absurd notion, suggesting it undermines democracy itself.

Some commentators, including MSNBC host Joe Scarborough, have called for Jones to consider withdrawing from the race. Meanwhile, Jones has been scrutinized for messages he sent, in which he made comparisons to infamous dictators and expressed violent fantasies about his political opponents.

In one exchange, he referred to former Republican chair Todd Gilbert, saying, “Three people, 2 bullets,” implying a violent ending. Jones has also been accused of derogatory remarks regarding Gilbert’s children. A GOP representative asserted that Jones is unfit to serve in office, while party members have circulated calls for his resignation.

In another controversial 2020 conversation, Jones reportedly expressed that some police fatalities might lead officers to reconsider their actions. He firmly denied this claim, stating he does not advocate for harm to law enforcement.

Most leading Democrats have yet to urge Jones to exit the race. Polling data indicates that his lead against Republican incumbent Jason Miyares has shrunk to just six points.

Miyares has responded to the controversy with sharp ads, denouncing Jones’s comments as “incredible” and “very disturbing.” The campaign accuses Jones of lacking the integrity necessary to protect families and their children.

Additionally, a Virginia police association has released a statement urging Jones to withdraw, declaring that his remarks have no place in society or democracy. They indicated that he is unworthy of the Attorney General position.