Virginia Republicans Condemn Jay Jones for Controversial Texts
Virginia’s political landscape has intensified following controversial text messages from Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones, who expressed wishful thoughts about the death of a Republican rival’s children. The remarks have prompted sharp rebukes from Virginia’s Republican leadership, including Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and current Attorney General Jason Miyares. This incident has escalated tensions ahead of the 2025 elections, drawing significant attention from both parties.
Miayres and Earle-Sears delivered coordinated statements over the weekend, asserting that Jones has disqualified himself from running for office due to his statements. Miyares, in an open letter shared on social media, criticized Jones for his “reckless” comments, stating, “This conduct is disqualifying.” He emphasized the gravity of wishing death upon a political opponent, framing it as a fundamental failure of integrity expected from a candidate for the state’s top law enforcement position.
Earle-Sears echoed Miyares’s sentiments during a public address, where she described Jones’ comments as indicative of a broader issue within the Democratic Party. “The enemy is among us, devouring us in Virginia and in America today,” she asserted. Jones had previously sent text messages in 2022, expressing a desire for the children of former Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert to die. When confronted about these texts, he defended his statements, suggesting that such grief might be politically advantageous.
The fallout from these revelations has prompted calls for Jones to withdraw from the race. Miyares, who has served as attorney general since 2022, highlighted the emotional toll of parental loss, stating, “I cannot imagine someone running for this job who advocates for violence.” He clarified that his role requires protecting all Virginians, regardless of political affiliation.
Earle-Sears expanded her critique beyond Jones, linking his comments to what she characterized as “rage politics” within the Democratic leadership. She referred to remarks made by gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, who encouraged supporters to “let your rage fill you.” Earle-Sears warned that such rhetoric could inspire violence and cited past incidents targeting Republicans nationally, including threats against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
This controversy has shifted the focus of the election from policy discussions to a debate about the fundamental qualifications of candidates. Miyares noted, “Prior to this week, this race was about competing views on public safety. Now it’s about basic fitness for public office.”
Earle-Sears concluded her remarks by urging unity and vigilance among Virginians. Drawing on her experiences as an immigrant, she warned against the destructive potential of extreme political rhetoric. “Let each of us act to protect our beloved Commonwealth of Virginia and the gift from God that is the United States of America,” she said.
As of this reporting, responses from Jones, Earle-Sears, and Miyares regarding the escalating situation have not been publicly released. The implications of these exchanges are likely to resonate throughout the upcoming election, shaping the discourse around both candidates and their respective parties.
