BREAKING: Virginians have just elected Democrat Jay Jones as their new Attorney General, despite the emergence of shocking text messages where he expressed violent fantasies about Republican lawmakers and their children. The decision was confirmed by Decision Desk HQ shortly after polls closed on Tuesday, with projections showing Jones defeating incumbent Republican Jason Miyares.
In August 2022, Jones exchanged disturbing messages with Republican delegate Carrie Coyner, where he described a hypothetical scenario involving shooting then-Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert. “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot,” Jones wrote, adding, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” Coyner responded, urging him to stop, highlighting the shocking nature of these exchanges.
The messages, first reported by National Review, also included a chilling remark where Jones suggested that the children of his political rivals should die. These revelations have sparked outrage among voters and officials alike, with Virginia’s Governor Glenn Youngkin condemning the rhetoric as “beyond disqualifying.”
“There is no ‘gosh, I’m sorry’ here,” Youngkin stated, emphasizing the gravity of Jones’s comments.
Despite the backlash, Jones has neither denied the authenticity of the texts nor offered an apology. His messages came to light shortly after the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, raising further concerns about political violence. Republicans across the nation have denounced Jones’s remarks, calling for him to withdraw from the race, while Democratic leaders, including gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, refrained from demanding his exit.
As Jones takes office, the implications of his past statements raise questions about the political climate in Virginia. Voters appeared undeterred by the controversy, opting for Jones over Miyares, indicating a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the new Attorney General, Jones’s actions and policies will be closely scrutinized by both supporters and critics. The political fallout from his past comments is expected to continue, with debates surrounding political discourse and accountability likely to dominate the upcoming legislative session.
Stay tuned for live updates and further developments on this evolving story.
