Pelosi Responds to Calls for Dem Candidate’s Withdrawal

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat from California, expressed reluctance on Wednesday to weigh in on whether Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general, should exit the race. This comes in light of leaked text messages that revealed troubling sentiments regarding the shooting of a Republican lawmaker.

Pelosi remarked that the decision should rest with Virginia voters and local Democratic leaders. “I don’t get involved in other people’s races at all,” she told CNN’s Dana Bash. “It’s up to the people of that state. I respect their decision and wish them well.”

During the discussion, Bash highlighted the incident stemming from messages sent by Jones in 2022 that exposed his violent thoughts about then-Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert. In a conversation with Representative Carrie Coyner, Jones made alarming comparisons, suggesting he would prefer to shoot Gilbert over two notorious dictators.

In an unsettling message, he wrote, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert received two bullets in the head,” to which Coyner asked him to stop. Jones later added, “Spoiler: If you put Gilbert in the worst two-person crew you know, he’ll take both bullets every time.”

Jones later issued an apology for his remarks, labeling them as “embarrassing” and noted he had personally reached out to Gilbert and his family.

The fallout from this revelation has created a stir ahead of the November elections in Virginia, where Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle Sears will contest against former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger for the governorship.

While Pelosi sidestepped Bash’s inquiries about the implications of Jones’ actions, both Earle Sears and Republican presidential candidate Jason Miyares have condemned Jones, arguing his behavior is disqualifying for a public office.

When asked whether Jones should resign, Pelosi stated, “Well, that’s up to the people, it’s up to the leaders of Virginia. They’re saying he’s apologized. My understanding is that overall they’re saying he’s the better person to be attorney general. But that’s up to them.”

Bash pointed out that Pelosi herself has faced political violence, referencing the attack on her husband Paul Pelosi in 2022. Pelosi stressed the need to address threats of violence, saying, “We have to eliminate that kind of language. It’s not appropriate.”

The conversation then shifted to Abigail Spanberger, with Pelosi indicating that she believes Spanberger will navigate her own political journey wisely. “She’s going to be governor. She’s doing very well and everyone’s very proud of her candidacy. And her race is her race, her state is her state, and it’s up to her,” Pelosi remarked.

Interestingly, Pelosi’s comments about avoiding interference in other political campaigns come after she played a significant role in persuading President Joe Biden to reconsider his candidacy for the 2024 presidential race.