Vice President J.D. Vance called on Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones to leave the race following the release of 2022 text messages in which Jones discussed violence against then–House Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Todd Gilbert and Gilbert’s family.
The development drew national attention over the weekend as political figures and commentators reacted on social media and in public statements.
Jones, a former state delegate challenging Republican incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, has been under scrutiny for multiple issues in recent days.
Records surfaced last week indicating Jones was once cited for driving 116 mph on a state highway.
Reporting also detailed that he fulfilled much of a court-ordered community service requirement by working for his own political action committee.
On Friday, text messages sent by Jones in 2022 to a former Republican colleague became public.
The messages described killing Gilbert and his family, including his two young sons. Jones initially responded with a statement blaming his opponent for engaging in political attacks, then issued a second statement saying he was “embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry” for the remarks.
He said he had taken responsibility for his words.
Elon Musk weighed in on X, calling Jones “evil.”
The comments circulated widely as users shared screenshots of the texts and responses from elected officials and candidates. By Saturday evening, calls for Jones to withdraw intensified.
Winsome Earle-Sears, the Republican candidate for governor, released a campaign ad on Saturday that links Jones’s messages to what she describes as violent political rhetoric among Democrats.
🚨 NEW AD: Jay Jones dreamed of murdering two young kids and their dad over politics—and Abigail Spanberger wants him to be attorney general. pic.twitter.com/RoipSKn436
— Winsome Earle-Sears (@winwithwinsome) October 5, 2025
She followed the ad with a press conference calling for Jones to exit the attorney general race.
“Jay Jones is the poster child for the Democrat establishment and he fantasizes about murdered little children laying lifeless in their mother’s arms,” Earle-Sears said at the presser.
Earle-Sears also criticized Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, referencing a phrase attributed to Spanberger in campaign messaging.
“My opponent Abigail Spanberger urges, often, for her supporters to fill their hearts with violent hate. “Let your rage fuel you,” she says. “Let your rage fuel you.” Words have meaning.”
Winsome Sears Press Conference https://t.co/0Jlt4z7tQ7
— Winsome Earle-Sears (@winwithwinsome) October 5, 2025
Jones has not suspended his campaign.
His public statements since Friday have focused on acknowledging the texts and apologizing.
He has not disputed the authenticity of the messages as reported and has said he regrets the language he used.
The campaign did not provide additional details about when Jones sent the texts or further context beyond his apology.
Miyares, the incumbent attorney general, has continued his reelection effort while pointing to his office’s record and the responsibilities of the state’s top law enforcement post.
His campaign referenced the 2022 texts in public comments, arguing that the content raises questions about Jones’s fitness for the office.
Democratic organizations in Virginia have not announced a change to their statewide ticket. Some party figures condemned violent rhetoric while stopping short of urging Jones to withdraw.
Campaign schedules for statewide candidates continued through the weekend, with both parties preparing for final outreach ahead of Election Day.
The ad released by Earle-Sears features clips and captions tying Jones’s messages to broader political language, and it began airing on digital platforms on Saturday.
Her campaign said the ad purchase includes targeted placement to voters who have engaged with recent coverage of the text messages.
The campaign also posted a full video of the Saturday press conference online.
As of late Saturday, there was no updated statement from Jones beyond his apology and acknowledgment of the texts.
His campaign website and social media accounts remained active.
The vice president’s call for withdrawal added to pressure from Republican officials and some activists who said the messages should disqualify Jones from holding the office of attorney general.
The attorney general in Virginia serves as the Commonwealth’s chief law enforcement officer, representing state agencies in court, issuing legal opinions, and coordinating with local, state, and federal partners on investigations and public safety initiatives.
The race will appear on the statewide ballot alongside other executive offices.
Election officials reminded voters of standard deadlines and procedures for early voting and absentee options as the campaign entered its final stretch.
Any changes to the ballot would follow established legal processes.
Campaigns for both candidates said they would continue scheduled events while monitoring developments related to the messages and public responses.
Another one who is only sorry after getting caught and couldnt deflect
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There is a saying; “What is in a person’s heart, their mouth speaks.” The messages Jones sent described killing Gilbert and his family, including his two young sons. Does the State of Virginia really want someone who thinks and speaks THAT as their attorney general?!
fwith you’fre! Well said.
If everyone made as much as Edwina, we’d be paying $38 for a loaf of bread.
Jones is a perfect Soros AG to throw Virginia into complete lawless anarchy. Steve Descano, call your office.
It is not rejection the “Insanity” it is about rejecting the rage and hate.