Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor in Virginia, declined to urge her party’s attorney general candidate, Jay Jones, to step down during Thursday’s debate. This follows the emergence of text messages in which Jones expressed violent fantasies about a Republican colleague back in 2022.
Jones, a former representative from Norfolk, is facing increasing pressure—mainly from Republican circles—to withdraw from the race for attorney general. However, both the Virginia Democratic Party and various leaders nationwide have resisted calls for his resignation.
The scandal surrounding Jones has become a significant topic in the Virginia election, especially as it unfolds against a backdrop of heightened awareness regarding violent political rhetoric, particularly after high-profile incidents such as the assassination of Charlie Kirk and attempts on the life of former President Donald Trump.
Spanberger has faced criticism online, being labeled a ‘coward’ for not addressing Jones’ behavior more forcefully.
Senator Mark Warner from Virginia remained non-committal when asked repeatedly by Fox News Digital whether Jones should withdraw. Even when pressed about his previous $25,000 donation to Jones’s campaign and whether he regretted that support, Warner was evasive, keeping silent on the matter.
Meanwhile, Senator Tim Kaine, also a Democrat from Virginia, appeared hesitant to call for Jones’s resignation. He mentioned still backing Jones, who is currently facing challenges in his race for attorney general, stating, “I think those comments were inappropriate and he has apologized.” Kaine added that he hopes others in public life will offer sincere apologies as well, claiming to have known Jones for 25 years.
Others in the Democratic party, including non-Virginia members contacted by Fox News Digital, avoided responding directly to questions about the controversy surrounding Jones. The issue revolves around a 2022 text exchange where Jones fantasized about shooting “two bullets” into the head of then-Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, making additional derogatory remarks about Gilbert’s children.
In one text, Jones mentioned, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert received two bullets in the head.” In another, he wrote, “Spoiler: Put Gilbert in the worst two-man crew you know, and he gets shot at both times every time.” A deputy who received the messages had urged Jones to reconsider, leading to an apology from Jones, who found his comments “embarrassing” and said he reached out personally to Gilbert and his family.
When asked whether Jones should resign, Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut expressed uncertainty about the situation and declined to comment further. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island also appeared nonchalant, stating, “I don’t think about that.” On the other hand, Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon referred to the document surrounding Jones as “horrifying” but chose not to elaborate on whether he thought Jones should resign.
Other Democrats, such as Senators Andy Kim from New Jersey and Martin Heinrich from New Mexico, condemned political violence but indicated they were not up to speed with Jones’s situation. Kim admitted, “I can’t say I tried hard enough to really understand, but all I can say is that what I saw was absolutely horrifying.” He emphasized the importance of holding public officials to high standards, especially during a time of rising concerns about political violence.
In contrast, the Republican response to the controversy was quite stern. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas labeled Jones’s messages as “staggering,” particularly given the current climate of political violence. He criticized the left for glorifying such violence, pointing to celebratory responses to Kirk’s assassination and arguing that any advocate for political violence, especially one aiming for public office, is unfit for their role.
Senator Eric Schmidt from Missouri expressed disgust at Jones’s remarks, calling for his resignation and noting the lack of response from Democratic peers, which he found troubling. During the same debate, Republican candidate Winsome Earl Sears challenged Spanberger directly, asking if Jones should step down, referencing his violent fantasizing about politicians and their families.
