Spanberger Stands by Jones Amid Controversy

Former Representative Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor of Virginia, has opted not to withdraw her support for Jay Jones, the Democratic candidate for attorney general. This decision comes after Jones was exposed through a text message expressing violent fantasies about a Republican lawmaker.

This revelation was made during a debate where Spanberger faced off against Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earl Sears. When asked directly if she continued to support Jones, Spanberger responded, “What I’m saying is, for now, it’s up to every voter to make their own personal decision. I’m running for governor. I’m responsible for my words, my actions, and the policies I put forward.” She emphasized her commitment to serving the people.

Spanberger further reaffirmed her condemnation of the rhetoric associated with the incident upon its disclosure.

On August 8, 2022, Jones had sent a troubling text to Republican Representative Carrie Coyner. In it, he made light of the idea that House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family should be harmed, stating, “Two shots for three people.” He added that “Gilbert gets two bullets in the head,” suggesting that in a hypothetical scenario with other notorious figures, Gilbert would always come out the worst.

In response to the situation, Virginia’s Republican Governor, Glenn Youngkin, has called for Jones’s resignation. He criticized Jones’s comments as “violent and hateful rhetoric” and described it as fundamentally disqualifying for someone in public office. Youngkin remarked that Jones lacks the moral character to remain in the race and accused Spanberger and other Democrats of not having the courage to call for his withdrawal.