Democratic candidate for Virginia attorney general, Jay Jones, launched his first campaign advertisement on Monday, following a recent text message scandal that has disrupted his efforts just weeks before the election.
This advertisement, which is part of a six-figure marketing strategy throughout the state, is available for viewing online.
In a brief 30-second spot, Jones connects the current Attorney General, Jason Miyares (R), to former President Trump, labeling the incumbent as “Trump’s lawyer.”
The narrator in the ad highlights that Miyares is “the only candidate who has President Trump’s full and complete support,” referencing Trump’s posts on TruthSocial where he endorsed Miyares and urged Jones to resign due to the scandal.
“Nobody has done more for Trump than Jason Miyares in Virginia,” the narrator claims, featuring footage of Miyares with Trump at a rally. The ad notes issues like layoffs, rising prices, and slashed healthcare costs, emphasizing Miyares’ call for an abortion ban in the state.
This ad rollout follows criticism after Jones was reported to have jokingly expressed a desire to shoot former House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R) in a text from 2022. This revelation has stirred controversy ahead of the state’s upcoming elections, with some Republicans urging Democrats to ask Jones to step back from his campaign.
After the text was made public earlier this month, Jones issued an apology and reiterated his remorse during a debate on Thursday.
“Let me be clear: I’m embarrassed, embarrassed, and sorry. I’m sorry to Chairman Gilbert, his family, and all Virginians,” Jones stated.
During the same debate, he tried to draw connections between Miyares and Trump, describing Miyares as the president’s “willing cheerleader.”
This tactic appears to be based on Trump’s considerable unpopularity in Virginia. A recent poll by Emerson College and The Hill indicated that Trump has a 42% approval rating, with 54% disapproving.
Following the debate, Jones’ campaign announced it raised $500,000 in just 24 hours.
Recent polling data suggests that both Jones and Miyares are virtually tied at 46.4 percent, although Miyares has maintained a fundraising edge throughout the campaign.
