Multiple MAGA figures have posted about their disapproval of Democrat Jay Jones winning Virginia’s race for attorney general despite the scandal over text messages that showed him fantasizing about killing a Republican lawmaker and his family.
Why It Matters
Virginia’s 2025 attorney general race has become a national flashpoint, serving as an early barometer for shifting political sentiments ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The outcome, following a deeply polarizing scandal over leaked violent text messages from Democrat Jay Jones, is being scrutinized for what it reveals about what matters to voters.
What To Know
Jones has faced significant heat over texts he sent in 2022, when he was a member of the Virginia state legislature, to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner, which read, “Three people, two bullets Gilbert, hitler, and pol pot Gilbert gets two bullets to the head Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.”
He was referring to former Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Todd Gilbert, a Republican, according to The National Review, which first reported the texts. Jones has since apologized for the texts saying: “I am embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry. I cannot take back what I said; I can only take full accountability and offer my sincere apology.”
Despite the scandal, Jones went on to win the Virginia election on Tuesday, albeit narrowly, over Republican incumbent Jason Miyares, who had served in the role since 2022.
What People Are Saying
Conservative political commentator Benny Johnson was one of many who spoke out against Jones’ win, in a post on X which said: “Democrats in Virginia saw these texts from Jay Jones and decided ‘yup, he has my vote!’ Truly evil. You can’t live in a country with people that want you dead.”
Similarly, Nick Sortor called the victory “absolutely sickening.” “Democrats calling for Republicans to be assassinated has just been APPROVED of,” he said on X. “THIS CANNOT CONTINUE.”
Journalist Eric Daugherty, who is originally from Virginia, argued that there was a difference in how Republicans reacted to a scandal about one of their own—Mark Robinson—and how Democrats responded to this one.
He said in a post on X: “You want to see how Republicans vs Democrats are treated when they’re caught up in a scandal? Republican Mark Robinson (NC) said racist and sexual things online. Voters rejected him by 15 points, and elected Trump by 3 points.
“Democrat Jay Jones (VA) supports murder, and won. We are not the same. There are two standards. It is sickening.”
Robinson, who was endorsed by Trump in North Carolina’s governor’s race last year, was embroiled in multiple controversies after an explosive story published by CNN uncovered alleged activity on an adult website more than a decade ago, also said to have shown Robinson expressing support for bringing back slavery and said he enjoyed watching transgender pornography.
What Happens Next
Jay Jones will seemingly enter his term as Virginia’s attorney general under a cloud of controversy. The episode is likely to remain a focal point in state and national discussions, particularly as Jones will be called upon to lead on issues of public safety and legal integrity.
