Virginia Governor Calls for Democratic AG Candidate to Withdraw Amid Controversial Texts

In a significant political development, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has urged Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones to withdraw from the race following the emergence of troubling text messages. These texts, which show Jones discussing violence against a former Virginia House speaker, have sparked outrage across party lines.

Text Messages Reveal Disturbing Remarks

Texts obtained by Fox News Digital indicate a conversation from August 2022 involving Jones, who at the time was a recently resigned delegate from Norfolk, and Delegate Carrie Coyner, a Republican from Chester. In these messages, Jones made a shocking statement about then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert, a Republican from Shenandoah, that raised serious ethical concerns.

Concerning Statements from Jones

At one point, Jones wrote, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.” Such violent rhetoric has incited widespread condemnation from political figures and is being characterized as disqualifying for anyone seeking public office.

Youngkin’s Strong Response

Youngkin took to social media to express his disapproval. He commented, “This violent, disgusting rhetoric targeted at an elected official and his children is beyond disqualifying. Jay Jones said that ‘Gilbert gets two bullets to the head’ and then hoped his children would die. Read those words again.” His remarks underscore the severity of Jones’ statements and their implications for his candidacy.

The Governor’s Call for Accountability

Youngkin continued by emphasizing the need for moral integrity in political campaigns. He claimed, “There is no ‘gosh, I’m sorry’ here. Jones doesn’t have the morality or character to drop out of this race, and his running mates, Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi, and every elected Democrat in Virginia don’t have the courage to call on him to step away from this campaign in disgrace.” This strong stance reflects a broader expectation for political figures to uphold responsible discourse.

Reactions from Jones’ Campaign

A spokesperson for Coyner’s campaign confirmed the authenticity of the texts and characterized them as deeply alarming. The spokesperson stated, “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.” This critical response highlights the prevailing sentiment that such comments are inappropriate for anyone seeking public office.

Jones Faces Pressure to Withdraw

As the backlash mounts, Jones’s opponent, incumbent Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, watches the unfolding situation closely. The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) has also added to the pressure, calling on Jones to withdraw from the race due to the shocking nature of his texts.

Importance of Violence-Free Political Discourse

RAGA Chairman Kris Kobach voiced his concerns regarding political violence, stating, “There is no place for political violence, including joking about it — especially from an elected official. Jay Jones should drop out of the Attorney General’s race. His comments are not acceptable from someone who wants to represent law enforcement.” His remarks underscore a critical demand for civility in political discussion.

Jones’ Apology and Accountability

In response to the growing criticism, Jones released a statement to the media, in which he took full responsibility for his comments and extended an apology to Speaker Gilbert and his family. He stated, “Reading back those words made me sick to my stomach. I am embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry. I have reached out to Speaker Gilbert to apologize directly to him, his wife Jennifer, and their children. I cannot take back what I said; I can only take full accountability and offer my sincere apology.”

Commitment to the Community

In his statement, Jones emphasized his desire for transparent leadership. He said, “Virginians deserve honest leaders who admit when they are wrong and own up to their mistakes. This was a grave mistake, and I will work every day to prove to the people of Virginia that I will fight for them as Attorney General.” His commitment to accountability reflects a crucial aspect of political leadership.

As this situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will impact the upcoming elections and Jones’s candidacy. The political landscape in Virginia stands at a crossroads, raising important questions about ethics, responsibility, and the standards expected of those in public office.

Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace and Charles Creitz contributed to this report.