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EXCLUSIVE: Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares shared insights with Fox News Digital ahead of Thursday’s pivotal debate, asserting that his four-year track record as the state’s top law enforcement officer warrants his reelection.
Miyares also confronted the controversy surrounding his Democratic opponent Jay Jones, who faced backlash for sending text messages that expressed violent fantasies about former Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family.
“When I ran for this position, I committed to prioritizing the safety of Virginians,” Miyares remarked. He highlighted the challenges faced by the state in 2021, stating that it was in dire need of leadership.
“In 2021, Virginia grappled with a murder rate that reached a 20-year high, along with violent crime rates at levels not seen in 30 years. Additionally, we recorded the highest rates of addiction-related deaths in our history. My focus has been on protecting Virginians, and we have made significant progress,” he said.
Under his leadership, initiatives such as Operation Bold Blue Line and Operation Ceasefire aimed at supporting law enforcement and reducing gun crimes have proven effective. Miyares indicated that these strategies have contributed to falling crime rates in many of Virginia’s most violent cities.
Statistics suggest that a small percentage of felons in Virginia are responsible for a significant portion of violent crimes. Recent data shows promising declines in murder rates and other critical crime metrics across the state.
Miyares has also underscored his commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis, securing over $1 billion in financial penalties from pharmaceutical companies and other prescription drug distributors, such as Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, CVS, AmerisourceBergen, and Kroger Supermarkets.
This significant funding will redirect resources towards drug treatment initiatives, marking an unprecedented commitment to tackling addiction in Virginia. Miyares emphasized that this funding represents the largest collective investment in treatment programs in the state’s history.
“I am confident that more Virginians are safer today due to the policies we have implemented. Thanks to these smart policies, more residents are alive and well, which is our primary concern,” he stated.
Miyares expressed excitement about the prospect of being re-elected, aiming to continue serving as a protector of Virginia’s communities and families. He articulated that this fundamental promise forms the backbone of his campaign.
On the other hand, Jones’ recent scandal may have unintended consequences for the Democratic ticket. Many statewide Democrats have avoided directly addressing the issue, leaving questions about the party’s strategy moving forward.
Miyares voiced his disbelief at how someone aspiring to be attorney general, a role intended to combat violence, could be associated with comments advocating for it. His criticism of Jones’ statements highlights a stark contrast between their respective visions for Virginia.
Miyares noted that both he and Jones share acquaintances with Gilbert and his family from their time in the General Assembly, emphasizing the personal nature of the unsettling comments made by Jones.
“This isn’t a theoretical discussion. This involves real families, real children. When someone expresses a desire for harm to come to such vulnerable individuals, it is disqualifying for public office,” Miyares asserted, adding that the pain of a parent who loses a child to violence is profound and irreplaceable.
Miyares further criticized Jones, asserting that his opponent lacks the experience necessary for the attorney general’s role, branding him as merely a politician seeking advancement.
Jones previously worked as a lawyer in Norfolk and was part of the Biden Justice Department before his current campaign.
Miyares characterized the upcoming election as a defining moment for Virginia, urging voters to reflect on the critical issues at stake. He remarked on the attention the state is receiving from the national audience, emphasizing the importance of decency and civility in public discourse.
As the election nears, Miyares expressed confidence in Virginia’s ability to understand the values at stake and to make a decision that reflects the principles of respect and dignity.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Jones campaign for an interview, but as of now, there has been no response.
