Jones defends himself over violent texts, reckless driving at Virginia attorney general debate
Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones defended himself over unearthed violent texts and a past reckless driving conviction on stage at Thursday’s highly anticipated attorney general debate in Richmond.
“Let me be very clear: I am ashamed, I am embarrassed, and I am sorry. I am sorry to Speaker Gilbert, I am sorry to his family, and I am sorry to every single Virginian,” Jones said during his four-minute opening remarks, referring to the recently surfaced violent text messages he sent in 2022 about former state House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R) and his family.
Jones went on to tie incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) to President Trump, calling his opponent “a willing cheerleader” for Trump.
“Jason is going to make this race about my mistakes but this race has always been about more,” Jones said.
The Democrat was later asked by the moderator why voters should trust him in the wake of the texting scandal, in which he suggested shooting Gilbert, as well as a 2022 reckless driving conviction.
“I was held accountable by my party and I deeply, deeply respect that,” Jones said. “But what about when Donald Trump used incendiary language to incite a riot to try to overturn an election here in this country? What about when Winsome Sears used violent language about people who disagree with you and her on your extreme position on abortion? What about when John Reid shared Nazi porn? You haven’t said a word. I have taken accountability for my mistakes, it’s time you take accountability, too.”
When pressed again on whether voters should trust him, Jones reiterated that he has taken accountability for his mistakes.
“I have been held accountable and I think Virginians deserve leaders who understand when they make mistakes and are held accountable,” Jones said.
Miyares used the forum to immediately go on the offensive against Jones, not only over the texting scandal and reckless driving conviction, but also over what he called his soft-on-crime record as a delegate.
“By every standard Jay Jones does not have the experience or judgement to serve as top prosecutor,” Miyares said.
The texting scandal has roiled not only the attorney general race, but also other races taking place in Virginia’s off-year elections. The latest polling average from The Hill’s partners at Decision Desk HQ show Jones and Miyares tied at 46.4 percent.