What was said in Jay Jones’s explosive texts about Todd Gilbert? What does it reveal about his candidacy?
Former Del. Jay Jones gives remarks during the Virginia Democratic Attorney General debate, Saturday, May 15, 2021, in the studio of WTVR in Richmond, Virginia. Image Credit: Shaban Athuman/Richmond Times-Dispatch/AP
Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general Jerrauld “Jay” Jones is facing intense scrutiny after leaked text messages revealed violent remarks about a Republican leader.
The messages, first obtained by Fox News and later confirmed by The Washington Post, show Jones joking in 2022 about shooting then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert, urinating on the graves of political opponents, and suggesting that Gilbert and his wife were “breeding little fascists.”
The revelations have rattled Virginia’s political landscape just weeks before the election, raising questions about whether Jones can recover from the controversy.
What the Texts Show
In the texts sent to Republican Del. Carrie Coyner, Jones expressed disdain for Gilbert after GOP members eulogized the late Democratic Del. Joe Johnson.
“Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head,” Jones wrote, according to screenshots.
Coyner reportedly urged Jones to stop, but he continued, saying he would attend GOP funerals “to piss on their graves.”
Screenshots also show Jones speculating whether Gilbert and his wife were “breeding little fascists.”
Reactions from Virginia Leaders
Republican officials called the remarks “disturbing and disqualifying.” Gilbert, who later served briefly as U.S. Attorney under President Donald Trump, has not publicly commented.
Del. Geary Higgins, a Republican who has faced death threats himself, blasted Democrats for fueling what he called the “politics of rage.”
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger condemned Jones, saying she expressed her “disgust” directly to him and emphasized that violent rhetoric has no place in Virginia politics.
READ ALSO
Can an Alderperson be arrested? Jessie Fuentes handcuffed by ICE agents in Chicago
Jay Jones Responds
Jones did not deny sending the texts but called them regrettable.
“Like all people, I’ve sent text messages that I regret, and I believe that violent rhetoric has no place in our politics,” he said in a statement.
He accused his Republican opponent, current Attorney General Jason Miyares, of using “Trump-controlled media” to smear him, framing the controversy as part of a larger fight over whether “Trump controls Virginia or Virginians control Virginia.”
What This Means for the AG Race
The scandal could reshape Virginia’s closely watched attorney general race. Analysts say Jones’s remarks might alienate moderates, even as he maintains strong support among progressives in Norfolk and Hampton Roads.
Republicans are expected to capitalize on the controversy to frame Democrats as extreme and reckless ahead of November.
FAQ
Who is Jay Jones?
Jay Jones is a Democratic politician from Norfolk, Virginia, and the party’s nominee for attorney general in 2025. He previously served as a state delegate.
What did Jay Jones text about Todd Gilbert?
In 2022, Jones sent texts joking about shooting then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert, urinating on political opponents’ graves, and calling Gilbert’s family “little fascists.”
Are Jay Jones’s texts authentic?
Yes. The texts were confirmed by both Fox News and The Washington Post through screenshots and statements from Del. Carrie Coyner, who received them.
Has Jay Jones apologized?
Jones has acknowledged the texts and expressed regret but argued they are being used as political attacks by his Republican opponent, Jason Miyares.
What has been the reaction to Jay Jones’s texts?
Republicans called the remarks disqualifying. Democratic leaders, including gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, condemned Jones and distanced themselves from his comments.
Will Jay Jones drop out of the Virginia attorney general race?
As of now, Jones has not indicated any plans to withdraw. He is continuing his campaign but faces mounting pressure and criticism.
Who is Todd Gilbert?
Todd Gilbert is a Republican from Shenandoah County, Virginia. He served as Speaker of the Virginia House and later as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia under Donald Trump.
What impact will this have on the Virginia AG election?
The controversy could damage Jones’s chances, especially among moderate voters. It is expected to be a central talking point in the race against Jason Miyares.