(The Center Square) – Democrat Jay Jones won Virginia’s race for attorney general Tuesday, defeating Republican incumbent Jason Miyares despite a scandal encircling Jones over texts of violence he sent that were revealed a month earlier.
National media outlets called the race for Jones at 10:05 p.m., showing him with 52.2% of the vote to Miyares’ 47.4% with about 87% of ballots counted.
The race drew national attention after National Review published Jones’ 2022 text messages to Republican Del. Carrie Coyner that mentioned shooting former House Speaker Todd Gilbert. In one message, Jones wrote, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”
National Review also reported that Jones later called Coyner after she objected to the message and went on to text that Gilbert and his wife were “breeding little fascists.” Jones has since apologized, saying he took responsibility for his words.
Miyares, who’s held the office since 2022, ran on public safety, combatting crime, and holdng government accountable. He told voters the job is about protecting Virginians, not politics.
Jones, a Norfolk native and former delegate, said his focus would be on rebuilding trust in the attorney general’s office and tackling everyday issues like safety, affordability and fairness.
Speaking to supporters Tuesday night, Jones said Virginians voted because they were worried about their families’ future.
“We have big fights ahead of us,” he said. “Our Commonwealth and our country will continue to be tested. But tonight I make this pledge to every single Virginian. I will never stop fighting for you.”
“Tonight we send a loud message to them and to every single person across this country, Virginia belongs to the people,” Jones said.
Jones also vowed to defend abortion rights, protect jobs and health care, and push back against what he called “Donald Trump’s attacks” on the economy. He told supporters Virginia “belongs to the people,” promising to lower costs and keep families safe.
His win caps a Democratic sweep of Virginia’s statewide offices. Earlier in the night, media outlets called the races for Abigail Spanberger, who beat Winsome Earle-Sears 56% to 43% in the race for governor, and Ghazala Hashmi, who led John Reid 54% to 45% in the lieutenant governor’s race.
