Virginia AG hopeful cancels Baldacci fundraiser after violent‑text backlash
Democratic candidate for Virginia attorney general Jay (Jerrauld) Jones canceled a planned Thursday fundraiser at author David Baldacci’s home after resurfaced 2022 text messages in which Jones fantasized about shooting a political rival provoked widespread criticism and campaign fallout. The cancellation — donors were reportedly told they would be refunded — comes as rival campaigns and outside groups are amplifying the texts, Republican ads cite the messages and statewide Democrats face pressure to respond.
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📌 Key Facts
- Jay Jones canceled a fundraiser scheduled to be held at author David Baldacci’s home; donors were reportedly notified their contributions would be refunded (per Axios).
- The texts (from 2022) included the line: 'Three people, two bullets ... Gilbert gets two bullets to the head,' referencing then‑Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert.
- The controversy prompted a Republican ad and a $1.5 million ad buy from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares' campaign; fellow Virginia Democrats have publicly criticized the rhetoric but stopped short of calling for Jones to drop out.