In a newly unearthed series of private texts, Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones is facing backlash for violent and disturbing remarks about Republican colleagues. The messages, sent in August 2022 to GOP Delegate Carrie Coyner, show Jones mocking tributes to the late Democratic lawmaker Joe Johnson Jr. and lashing out at House Speaker Todd Gilbert.
In one exchange, Jones wrote that if certain Republicans died before him, he would attend their funerals “to piss on their graves.” He then compared Gilbert to Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot, saying if he had “three people, two bullets,” he would use both on Gilbert. Coyner pushed back, telling him, “It really bothers me when you talk about hurting people or wishing death on them. It isn’t ok.”
The texts escalated when Jones reportedly suggested to Coyner over the phone that he wished Gilbert’s wife could watch her child die so the Speaker would “feel pain” and change his political views. Coyner said she ended the call in disgust. In later messages, Jones added, “Do I think Todd and Jennifer are evil? And that they’re breeding little fascists? Yes.”
Coyner condemned the remarks in a statement: “On August 8, 2022 I had a text conversation with Jay Jones, what he said was not just disturbing but disqualifying for anyone who wants to seek public office. Jay Jones wished violence on the children of a colleague and joked about shooting Todd Gilbert. It’s disgusting and unbecoming of any public official.”
After initially refusing comment, Jones later responded saying, “Like all people, I’ve sent text messages that I regret and I believe that violent rhetoric has no place in our politics,” but claimed the controversy was a smear campaign from Republicans. (RELATED: Attorney General Candidate Jay Jones Campaigns on Reform, Built Career Defending Corporations)
The revelations come as Jones, 36, already faces scrutiny for a reckless driving conviction, criticism of his limited prosecutorial background, and accusations of exaggerating legal accomplishments. With early voting underway in Virginia, the texts are likely to intensify an already heated attorney general race. (RELATED: 116 MPH Joyride: Dem AG Hopeful Jones Worked Off Sentence by Helping His Political Machine)
Adding to the tension, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has also drawn criticism for her own rhetoric, telling crowds at campaign events to “let your rage fuel you.” The remarks, coupled with Jones’s texts, are prompting concerns about the tone of Democratic candidates in Virginia as the election enters its final stretch.