In the October 16 debate at the University of Richmond, Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares challenged Democrat Jay Jones over 2022 leaked text messages in which Jones fantasized about killing GOP lawmaker Todd Gilbert and his children.
Virginia Attorney General candidate Jason Miyares (R) PUMMELS political violence Jay Jones (D) during the debate…that is devastating. “I find it stunning that you say one of the pillars of your public safety platform is protecting children. Were you protecting Jennifer’s children, when you said you wanted to see them DIE in their mother’s arms?!” “How can ANYBODY who’s ever worked in any of the crimes against children, all of the areas of federal and state local law department, how can they ever take YOU seriously, be the top prosecutor, knowing that you view that children should DIE to advance a political agenda?” “It’s unconscionable, and if you were truly ‘sorry,’ you would not be running for this office – because you disqualified yourself.”
Attorney General Jason Miyares
Jones began the forum with an apology, taking responsibility before shifting to criticisms of Miyares’ record on Trump accountability, crime reduction, and abortion rights. The confrontation has tightened the race, with a recent Roanoke College poll showing Miyares leading 50% to 45% among likely voters.
Virginia AG candidate Jason Miyares tears into Democrat Jay Jones on the debate stage over his texts calling for the murder of Republicans:
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 16, 2025
"I find it stunning that you say one of the pillars of your public safety platform is protecting children. Were you protecting Jennifer's… pic.twitter.com/SQtD8mSv2v
This controversy is over leaked text messages, published by National Review on Oct. 3, in which Jones discussed killing former Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family.
Jones apologized, but calls for his withdrawal persist.
Democrat gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, Jones’ running mate, condemned the messages but dodged questions about her endorsement during a recent debate with Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.
They should probably look more at this, too.
🚨 Jay Jones’ really bad week just got even worse.
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) October 6, 2025
In addition to Jones being exposed for wanting to shoot a Republican leader in the head and watch his kids die, it’s now alleged that he wanted cops to be murdered in order to change how they police.
“Maybe if a few [cops]… pic.twitter.com/fgrks5xOu6
It’s hitting them hard
Friend at the AG debate in Richmond just texted us this photograph of a @jonesjay campaign staffer seen in the hallway after the debate. pic.twitter.com/wgRGNLzFZh
— PWCGOP (@PWCGOP) October 16, 2025