The only debate between Virginia attorney general Jason Miyares, and Democratic opposition Jay Jones saw the Republican incumbent repeatedly lambasting their competitor over violent texts he sent him years ago.
In recent weeks, the race for attorney general has intensified after it was revealed Jones sent texts suggesting that former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert receive “two shots to the head.”
Miyares brought the topic up quickly during the hour-long debate.
“Jay Jones is angry with Todd Gilbert. Why? Miyares stated that Todd Gilbert had said nice words about a Democrat who was deceased, Joe Johnson. This occurred at the University of Richmond debate on Thursday night. “Jay Jones said he would poop on the graves of his political rivals, but what was he going to do with Todd Gilbert?” Two bullets in the head. Why? “Because he didn’t enjoy his politics.”
Miyares added, “What was worse, he wanted Jennifer Gilbert – a mother of two young children, aged 2 and 5, who had a small child.” “He said he wanted to see the children die in their hands,” Miyares continued. Why? “Because in his own words he stated that the only way for change to occur is through pain.”
Republicans including Vice President JDVance and President Donald Trump have condemned Jones’ candidacy for attorney general and demanded his resignation. Miyares reiterated this call on Thursday.
Miyares stated, “There’s a reason the Fraternal Police Order, the PBA (Virginia Police Benevolent Association) and every major law enforcement organization in Virginia have not just endorsed my candidacy, Jay.” They’ve told you to drop out. It’s a bit shocking that you said today that protecting children is one of your pillars in the public safety platform. You said that you wanted Jennifer’s kids to die in her arms. Were you protecting Jennifer?
Miyares announced an $1.5 Million ad campaign highlighting Jones’s text in the midst of the scandal.
This week, he also released a brand new ad to court supporters of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger who had condemned the texts during her debate against Virginia Lt. Governor last week. Winsome Earle Sears. Spanberger did not tell Jones to quit the race.
Jones apologized immediately for his actions just moments after the debate began.
“Let’s be clear. I’m ashamed, embarrassed and sorry. “I am sorry for Speaker Gilbert,” said he. I am sorry for his family. “I am sorry for my family and all Virginians.”
Jones said: “I can’t take back the words I spoke, but I promise to always be accountable for them. I also promise that I will fight for you every moment of my waking hours.”
The Democratic nominee tried to link Miyares with President Donald Trump who had endorsed Miyares following the text-message scandal. Trump has not won the commonwealth during any of his three presidential campaigns. He is also unpopular among Virginians due to the cuts made by his administration to the federal workforce.
Jason Miyares, who is not willing to sue, will be his cheerleader when Donald Trump fires employees, defunds schools, levies tariffs which destroy our regional economies and sends armed soldiers into cities.
As your Attorney General, I will hold this administration to account. Jones said that Jason “hangs out” with Trump at MAGA rallies. I will be able to see Donald Trump and Jason Miyares in court, as your next Attorney General. That’s what the job demands.
Miyares redirected these attacks by claiming that Jones was more interested in a higher position.
“I have always put Virginians before myself. In reality, Jay Jones isn’t a prosecutor. He is a political figure. Miyares stated that he wanted to make this a political office. “He wants fights to be fought in Washington. I want to fight the fights, and get the bad guys off our streets. This is our track record. I made you a promise. This is an executive office. If Jay Jones really wants to be a part of the Washington fights, he should consider running for Congress. But he is running for the incorrect office.
The Attorney General then changed his position and called on Jones to withdraw from the race. Miyares added, “I have to point out that he keeps saying he’s sorry.” If you were truly sorry, Jay, you wouldn’t have run.”
Miyares, too, grew weary of Jones’ constant discussion about Trump as the debate continued.
“There he is again. He has said the name President 15 times. He has never mentioned the victim’s name. This tells me that he is a politician and not a prosecutor. Miyares stated that he has never prosecuted in his entire life. “That is why the law enforcement said that he had disqualified himself.” Virginians could do better than an left-wing politician who is trying to get a promotion.
According to a RealClearPolitics poll composite, Miyares is just barely ahead of Jones with 46.3%.
Early voting in Virginia began on September 19 and continues through November 1, giving voters over two weeks before the election to complete their ballots.
