In the first and only debate on Thursday, Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones faced a sharp critique from his Republican opponent. This came shortly after controversial text messages from Jones, which suggested a desire for mothers to witness their children die, had surfaced. His Republican rival seized the moment, highlighting the irony of Jones advocating for a plan to keep “kids safe.”
Since the scandal broke, Jones has seen his poll numbers plummet. In his opening remarks, he expressed his embarrassment over the texts sent about former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family. “I’m embarrassed. I’m really sorry,” he said. He acknowledged that his words were beyond repair but vowed to own his mistakes.
Jones went on to outline key components of his public safety strategy, emphasizing the need to combat violent crime, reduce illegal firearms, and prioritize child safety. “As a father, that last point really resonates with me,” he remarked. He proposed establishing a child safety division aimed at tackling issues like child predators and domestic violence, stressing that with this approach, Virginia could enhance its safety.
Current Attorney General Jason Miyares took issue with Jones’ comments, noting the support he received from multiple law enforcement organizations. “They’re telling you to step back,” Miyares asserted. His response questioned the sincerity of Jones’ claims about protecting children, recalling the troubling remarks Jones made about the Gilbert family. “How can you expect to be taken seriously as a prosecutor when your views have been so alarming?” he challenged.
Miayres insisted that if Jones was genuinely remorseful, he would not be campaigning for the position.
Back in August 2022, Jones had sent a text to Congresswoman Carrie Coyner expressing violent sentiments towards Gilbert. He suggested that Gilbert deserved to be shot and, in a disturbing continuation of that thread, mentioned the deaths of Gilbert’s children as a form of pressure to change political stances.
Jones acknowledged, somewhat chillingly, that “people often only shift their views when they’ve faced personal pain.” He didn’t shy away from expressing his perceptions about the Gilbert family either, describing them in a derogatory manner.
Recent polling data indicates Miyares holds a slight edge in the race, currently sitting at 49.5%, with Jones trailing at 44.6%. Prior to the emergence of the scandal, Jones had been leading in the polls.
