(The Center Square) – Virginia’s race for attorney general is already drawing big cash and bigger contrasts, with all three candidates staking out clear positions ahead of the November election.
Republican incumbent Jason Miyares is seeking a second term with support from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who recently said he has “led the fight with me to keep Virginians safe, back our law enforcement heroes, and protect the rule of law.” Miyares has raised nearly $1.9 million.
Miyares flipped the seat in 2021, narrowly defeating Democratic incumbent Mark Herring with 50.4% of the vote. This was one of several GOP wins that year that put Republicans in the commonwealth’s top three offices. His record focuses on public safety and drug enforcement, highlighting a fentanyl awareness initiative and more than $1 billion secured in opioid settlement funds.
On the Democratic side, former Del. Jay Jones and Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor are battling for the nomination.
Jones, who represented Norfolk’s 89th District from 2018 to 2021, previously ran for attorney general in 2021 but lost in the Democratic primary to incumbent Herring. Despite an endorsement from then-Gov. Ralph Northam, Jones secured 43.4% of the vote.
Jones has raised $925,000 so far this year and reported $1.5 million cash on hand—more than any other challenger. He’s gone on the offensive against Miyares, tying him closely to conservative figures.
“Virginians are going to lose their jobs because Jason Miyares made a choice—stand with Trump instead of standing up for working families,” Jones said. “While other states fought to protect their people, Miyares fought to score points with MAGA. Will Jason Miyares ever fight for Virginians?”
Taylor’s campaign says she has raised over $1 million overall, including $525,000 in the first quarter. She’s positioned herself as the grassroots candidate, leaning into consumer protection and abortion rights and warning “grifters” and fraudsters that she plans to hold them accountable.
Gun safety is also a key issue in the race. Taylor highlights her work taking on the gun lobby, while Jones points to his endorsement from Moms Demand Action and a past lawsuit targeting ghost gun manufacturers.
The attorney general is elected to a four-year term alongside the governor and serves as Virginia’s top legal officer. The position has no term limits.
