Table of Contents
- Debate Drama: A Night of Apologies and Accusations
- The Texts That Changed Everything
- Jay Jones’ Public Apology
- Miyares Seizes the Moment
- What This Means for Virginia’s Election
- Sources
Debate Drama: A Night of Apologies and Accusations
What was expected to be a routine odd-year debate for Virginia’s attorney general quickly turned into a political firestorm. At the heart of the controversy? Shocking text messages sent by Democratic candidate Jay Jones—messages that have since dominated headlines and reshaped the race.
Held at the University of Richmond on Thursday, October 16, 2025, the hourlong face-off between Jones and incumbent Republican Jason Miyares became less about policy and more about character—specifically, Jones’ past conduct.
The Texts That Changed Everything
Revelations from 2022 have come back to haunt Jay Jones. In messages sent to a colleague, Jones referred to Virginia’s Republican House Speaker as “evil,” compared him to Hitler and Pol Pot, and even suggested the speaker “deserved to be killed.” He also described the speaker’s children as “little fascists” and wrote that he would “piss on” the graves of certain Republican delegates.
These texts, once private, are now central to the campaign narrative—raising serious questions about temperament, judgment, and fitness for office.
Jay Jones’ Public Apology
During the debate, Jones didn’t shy away from the controversy. Instead, he addressed it head-on—multiple times.
“Let me be very clear — I am ashamed. I am embarrassed. And I am sorry.”
He reiterated that the messages do not reflect who he is today and emphasized his growth since 2022. Still, the damage may already be done. Voters are now weighing whether an apology is enough for language that many consider not just offensive, but deeply disturbing.
Miyares Seizes the Moment
Jason Miyares, Virginia’s current attorney general, wasted no time capitalizing on the scandal. In his opening statement, he quoted Abraham Lincoln: “Character is what you do in the dark when no one is watching.”
“But now we know what he was doing in the dark,” Miyares added, drawing a sharp contrast between his own record and Jones’ past remarks.
Miyares also deflected Jones’ attempts to tie him to former President Donald Trump’s policies, focusing instead on law, order, and integrity—core values for an attorney general.
What This Means for Virginia’s Election
Virginia’s attorney general race, once a low-profile contest, is now under national scrutiny. With just weeks until Election Day, the Jones text scandal could sway undecided voters and energize Republican turnout.
Political analysts suggest that while Jones’ policy positions may resonate with progressive voters, his past behavior could alienate moderates—a crucial voting bloc in swing-state Virginia.
As the campaign enters its final stretch, both candidates will need to navigate not just policy differences, but questions of character, accountability, and leadership under pressure.
Sources
The New York Times: In Virginia A.G. Debate, Spotlight Is on Democratic Candidate’s Violent Texts
