Kaine Supports Jones Despite Controversial Texts

Virginia Senator Tim Kaine (D) described recent violent text messages from Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones concerning former state Representative Todd Gilbert (R) as “unguarded,” but he still backs Jones in the race.

“Jay has apologized. While his remarks were unguarded, I’ve known Jay for 25 years, and those comments seem out of character for him,” Kaine commented to reporters on Capitol Hill this past Wednesday.

The senator expressed a wish that others in public life would offer genuine apologies, reiterating his support for Jones.

Kaine labeled the situation a “significant challenge” for Jones, encouraging him to clarify the incident so that Virginians could see his true character. Nevertheless, he doesn’t believe this will adversely impact other Democrats running in Virginia.

The disclosure of the 2022 text messages sent ripples through Virginia’s political landscape, especially with the off-year elections approaching in November.

The National Review first highlighted the messages, later shared by the Republican Attorneys General Association.

In one exchange, Jones remarked on behalf of Carey Coyner (R) about Gilbert: “Three guys, two bullets.” He further stated, “Gilbert, Hitler, Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets in the head.”

He added, “Spoiler: Put Gilbert on the crew, along with two of the worst people you know, and he gets both bullets every time.”

Coyner, in response, indicated his disapproval of the comments.

A subsequent conversation revealed that Jones suggested Gilbert’s wife ought to witness her children suffer, hoping her husband might rethink his stance on gun violence.

Democrats both in Virginia and elsewhere, including gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, criticized the messages but did not advocate for Jones to withdraw from the race.

Conversely, Republicans, including President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R), have urged Jones to end his campaign.