Richmond, Virginia – During a debate at the University of Richmond, Virginia Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones faced scrutiny over a controversial document that suggested the murder of the former Republican House speaker. The debate, organized by the Young Lawyers Division of the Virginia Bar Association, also saw Attorney General Jason Miyares drawing connections to former President Donald Trump, expressing eagerness to see Trump in court.
Jones expressed remorse for the messages in question but has shifted his stance on Miyares, declaring that he intends to challenge Trump in court and criticizing Miyares for his associations with influential figures in Florida.
Miyares labeled Jones as “anti-police” and “anti-victim,” emphasizing a vote Jones took against removing school resource officers. He also linked Jones’ support for dropping reporting requirements for sexual assault cases in schools to recent incidents in Loudoun County.
Focusing on Jones’ past writings, Miyares suggested that Virginians are gaining insight into Jones’ character, quoting Abraham Lincoln on integrity. He pointed out that Jones’ harsh rhetoric could be linked to uncharacteristic comments from Republican leader Todd Gilbert following the death of U.S. Rep. Joe Johnson, D-Bristol.
In response, Jones emphasized his commitment to progress in Virginia while accusing Miyares of aligning too closely with Trump, mentioning him approximately twenty times throughout his statements. Jones expressed disappointment in Miyares for failing to file the lawsuits that other state attorneys general have pursued.
“I feel embarrassed and regretful. My apologies go out to Speaker Gilbert and his family, and to all Virginians,” Jones said in a statement, framing his campaign as a larger critique of Trump’s policies, including those impacting workers and education.
Jones noted that he and Miyares would likely encounter each other in court while referencing Miyares’ past speeding incident. Miyares retorted that Jones had not faced proper accountability for his actions, suggesting that of a group arrested for similar offenses, only Jones avoided serious penalties.
Amid the discussion about Jones’ political character, he countered with references to conservative actions during the January 6 Capitol riot, arguing against Miyares’ claims that he is more of a politician than a prosecutor.
Miyares highlighted his unique position as the first child of immigrants to serve in Virginia’s top law office, sharing personal anecdotes about his family’s struggles with authoritarianism. He expressed concern over Jones’ previous remarks regarding violence towards political opponents.
Jones, in turn, mentioned his father’s involvement in the civil rights movement, demonstrating a familial commitment to social justice.
Before the debate concluded, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York spoke out on the controversy surrounding Jones, indicating that he does not believe Jones should resign, asserting that the candidate has appropriately acknowledged his comments and their condemnation by Democratic leaders.
