The fallout from Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones’s evil and violent text messages has engulfed Virginia politics. Republicans are denouncing the violent remarks, while the Winsome Sears campaign has moved swiftly to make Jones’s words a symbol of moral rot inside the Democratic Party. Democrats, meanwhile, have loosely condemned the remarks but continue to run cover for Jones by justifying his anger and pointing to President Trump.
The Texts That Shook the Race
Messages released late last week show Jones joking about shooting former GOP House Speaker Todd Gilbert, saying Gilbert “receives both bullets” in a grotesque comparison that included Hitler and Pol Pot. Other messages referenced the deaths of children in political metaphors that shocked even members of his own party.
Jones has admitted sending the messages, calling them “shameful” and “sickening to read.” He apologized to Gilbert and to voters, saying he takes full responsibility. But he also declared he will stay in the race, which means he’s taking zero accountability.
Bipartisan Condemnation
The reaction was swift. Republicans blasted the comments as disqualifying for anyone seeking to be the state’s top law-enforcement officer. Attorney General Jason Miyares said the statements “reveal a darkness no apology can erase.”
Democratic leaders also issued statements of outrage. Gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger said she was “disgusted” and urged Jones to do more to make amends. State Sen. Ghazala Hashmi demanded accountability, calling the words “beyond the pale.” Neither of Jones’ ticket mates, Spanberger or Hashmi, called for him to step down, indicating a wink and a nod toward political violence.
Some Democratic strategists and online supporters have begun to defend Jones, arguing that “Trump has said worse.” The suggestion that Jones’s comments should be judged against the former president’s rhetoric has angered moderates and independents who see it as moral relativism.
Instead of condemning hate, some Democrats are excusing it.
Winsome Sears Campaign Responds
Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican nominee for governor, responded quickly by Sunday. She accused Jones of “fantasizing about violence” while seeking an office dedicated to upholding law and order.
“Jay Jones fantasizes about murdered little children lying lifeless in their mother’s arms, and yet he runs for attorney general,” Sears said in a statement. “This is what the leadership of the Democrat Party is producing.”
Her campaign has made the episode a centerpiece of its messaging, linking it to what she calls a culture of “rage politics” within the Democratic Party. Ads and social posts frame the issue as a question of trust and character, urging voters to reject candidates who “preach tolerance but practice hate.”
Democrats on Defense
Behind the scenes, Democratic operatives worry the scandal could taint the entire ticket. Some have urged Jones to step aside to prevent further damage. Others, wary of handing Republicans a victory, argue that the party should simply “ride out the storm.”
The divide mirrors a larger problem for Democrats nationally: how to demand accountability without appearing hypocritical. As one Richmond columnist put it, “You can’t claim moral high ground while excusing your own candidate’s violent fantasies by pointing to Trump.”
What Happens Next
Jones remains on the ballot, but his campaign has gone silent. Republican strategists say the controversy has already reshaped the race. Democrats are left debating whether forgiveness is possible—or politically survivable—when the words in question are this evil and vile.
The episode has unified Virginians in condemnation, but divided Democrats over how to handle their fallen nominee. On the one hand, they allegedly condemn violence. On the other hand, they seem fine with leaving Jones in the race despite his evil, sick-minded, violent fantasy.
The story is quickly blowing up into national news, with Vice President JD Vance calling for Jones to withdraw, and now Elon Musk mentioning the story.