Virginia’s race for Attorney General got real on Thursday night as incumbent Jason Miyares and Democratic challenger Jay Jones squared off in their only debate of the campaign. The showdown quickly turned personal, with Miyares hammering Jones over his violent text messages, questions about his experience, and what he called “special treatment” after Jones’ 116-mile-per-hour speeding case. The sole debate moderator, who did a pretty decent job, did not let Jones off the hook for his violent rhetoric either, forcing him to justify his continued presence in the race.
Miyares wasted no time going on the attack. He repeatedly brought up the 2022 text scandal, in which Jones sent messages wishing death on a Republican lawmaker and his children. Miyares said the comments showed a lack of judgment and temperament unfit for the state’s top prosecutor.
“This race is about character,” Miyares said. “How could Jay Jones ever be trusted to comfort a grieving mother who’s lost a child to violence, knowing that he hoped a two-year-old child would die?”
Jones apologized several times, saying he was ashamed and embarrassed. “I am sorry. I cannot take back what I said, but I can take responsibility for it,” he told the audience. He attempted to pivot to policy issues and accused Miyares of being too close to Donald Trump, but the effort was unsuccessful. The relentless “but Trump” attacks are tired and speak to a total lack of depth on Jones’ part. At one point, his abrupt transition from apologizing to attacking Trump drew groans and laughter from the crowd.
Miyares on Offense
Throughout the night, Miyares kept returning to the text messages, pressing his point that they revealed a deeper problem with judgment. Jones’ repeated apologies seemed to do little to stop the momentum.
Miyares also went after Jones’ qualifications, pointing out that he had never prosecuted a case. “The attorney general’s job is about law enforcement and leadership, not politics,” Miyares said.
He then brought up Jones’ 2022 speeding incident, where Jones was ticketed for driving 116 in a 70 zone. Miyares said Jones benefited from favorable treatment when some of his court-ordered community service was done through his own political committee. “It’s the same pattern,” Miyares said. “One set of rules for him, another for everyone else.”
Jones said he followed all court orders and completed his punishment, but didn’t directly respond to the criticism about where he did his service hours. In truth, even with the text messages aside, Jones is a terrible candidate and is dragging down the entire statewide Democratic ticket.
Policy Moments
The debate wasn’t entirely about personal attacks. The candidates also touched on fentanyl enforcement, police funding, and civil rights. Miyares highlighted his record on crime and his office’s work to fight drug trafficking. Jones said the focus should be on prevention and treatment, not just punishment.
Jones accused Miyares of running a partisan office that mirrored Trump-era priorities. Miyares countered that Jones was politicizing the attorney general’s role. “He’ll say whatever it takes to get this job,” Miyares said.
Polls Shift Toward Miyares
A new Trafalgar Group poll released this week shows Miyares leading 48.9 percent to 43.1 percent among likely voters. Earlier in October, Jones was slightly ahead. The reversal obviously comes as voters react to the text message controversy and concerns about Jones’ judgment.
The poll shows Miyares gaining ground among independents and suburban voters, giving Republicans new optimism heading into the final stretch.
Election Day
With just weeks to go before Election Day, on November 4, the debate could be the last nail in the political coffin for Jones. For Miyares, it reinforced his image as disciplined and focused on public safety. For Jones, it reinforced his poor judgment and how he shouldn’t be trusted with running for dog catcher, let alone Attorney General.
If the polling trends continue, Democrats may find themselves fighting to hold onto a key statewide seat they once saw as within reach.