Jay Jones text scandal threatens Virginia Democrats
Resurfaced 2022 text messages from Virginia attorney‑general candidate Jay Jones — including a message saying 'Gilbert gets two bullets to the head' about then‑House Speaker Todd Gilbert — have prompted national Republican attacks and a $1.5 million GOP ad buy as the contest heads into early voting and the final month before Election Day. Leading Virginia Democrats have condemned the messages but stopped short of calling for Jones to withdraw, creating a political dilemma that could affect down‑ballot outcomes and serve as a national flashpoint ahead of 2026.
Politics
Elections
📌 Key Facts
- Resurfaced texts from 2022 include: "Gilbert gets two bullets to the head" and language calling Gilbert and his wife "breeding little fascists."
- Republicans (including Trump, VP Vance and Gov. Glenn Youngkin) are publicly demanding Jones drop out; GOP AG nominee Jason Miyares launched a $1.5 million ad campaign tied to the messages.
- Early‑voting context: Axios cites VPAP reporting that over 355,000 Virginians had already voted as the scandal broke with about a month until Election Day.