Virginia Attorney General Candidate Cancels Fundraiser Amid Controversy

Virginia’s Democratic attorney general candidate, Jay Jones, abruptly called off a fundraising event on Thursday evening, following significant backlash regarding leaked text messages he sent suggesting that the former Republican speaker of the state House of Representatives should be shot.

Jones was set to host the event at the residence of well-known novelist David Baldacci, with plans for Senator and former Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine to attend. However, this scandal led to the cancellation, as reported by Axios.

Those who had secured donations for the event were informed by the Jones campaign that their contributions would be refunded, according to campaign officials.

Despite widespread condemnation from many Virginia Democrats regarding Jones’ remarks, several still publicly back him in his campaign against incumbent Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Kaine stated he continues to support Jones but labeled his comments as “indefensible,” according to Axios.

Jones has since apologized for a 2022 text he sent that envisioned the death of then-Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, describing it as a “serious mistake.” He mentioned having personally reached out to apologize to Gilbert and his wife.

In the text, Jones elaborated on a disturbing thought process: “Three people, two bullets.” He referred to Gilbert alongside historical figures like Hitler and Pol Pot, indicating that Gilbert should receive “two bullets in the head.”

These troubling messages, first reported in a National Review article, were initially sent to Republican Congresswoman Carrie Coyner on August 8, 2022. When Coyner expressed her discomfort, imploring him to “Please stop,” the exchanges took a more unsettling turn.

Coyner later alleged that during a discussion about qualified immunity in 2020, Jones implied that fewer civilians would be shot if more police officers lost their legal protections, which has raised further concerns.

Jones has largely stayed out of the public eye since Friday, with his campaign seemingly in turmoil, as noted by Axios. The timing of the texts revealing calls for political violence is particularly sensitive, especially in the aftermath of the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, which has shaken conservative circles.

The Virginia Republican Party and the state police union have demanded Jones’ resignation. Furthermore, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who endorsed Miyares last November, criticized Jones’ message as “beyond disqualifying,” suggesting he lacks the “morality or character” to step down voluntarily.