MSNBC Joins Calls for Virginia AG Candidate Jay Jones to Withdraw After Controversial Texts Surface
Virginia’s 2025 attorney general race has been thrown into turmoil following the release of controversial text messages sent by Democratic candidate Jay Jones in 2022. The messages, which contained violent language directed at political figures, have prompted widespread criticism and growing calls for Jones to end his campaign.
Controversial Messages Come to Light
In early October 2025, The National Review published screenshots of private messages Jones reportedly sent to Republican Delegate Carrie Coyner in 2022. One of the texts included a disturbing suggestion that then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert “should get two bullets to the head.”
The messages also contained additional violent and graphic remarks about other political figures.
Jones has since confirmed the authenticity of the texts and issued a public apology, stating that he takes “full responsibility” for his words. Despite the apology, the fallout has severely damaged his campaign.
Bipartisan Condemnation
The reaction to Jones’s remarks has been swift and came from across the political spectrum.
Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin called the comments “beyond disqualifying,” while former President Donald Trump urged Jones to “drop out of the race immediately.” Incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, also demanded Jones’s withdrawal, questioning his judgment and suitability for public office.
Meanwhile, the Virginia Republican Party has launched a wave of television ads spotlighting the controversy, increasing pressure on Jones to step aside.
Political Fallout and Polling Impact
The scandal has had a measurable impact on voter sentiment.
A recent Trafalgar Group poll conducted October 8–10, 2025, shows Jones’s support falling from 48.8% to 43.1%, while Miyares’s backing rose from 45% to 48.9%.
The poll suggests that the controversy has not only tarnished Jones’s image but also shifted momentum toward the incumbent.
Growing Calls for Withdrawal
Political analysts and commentators from both sides have urged Jones to reconsider his candidacy. Many argue that the remarks are disqualifying, and that Democrats should field a new candidate capable of mounting a serious challenge against Miyares.
Although Jones has apologized and expressed remorse, the political and public backlash shows no signs of easing. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether his campaign can recover—or if he will be forced to withdraw.
Conclusion
The revelation of Jay Jones’s 2022 text messages has cast a long shadow over the Virginia attorney general race. Facing bipartisan condemnation, sinking poll numbers, and increasing pressure to resign, Jones’s political future hangs in the balance. As Election Day approaches, Democrats face a pivotal decision about whether to stand by their embattled nominee or seek a fresh start.
