President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance demanded that Jay Jones, Virginia’s Democratic nominee for attorney general, abandon his campaign after offensive messages resurfaced. The texts allegedly contained violent threats against a Republican legislator and his family.

Trump criticized Jones on Truth Social, stating the candidate had made “SICK and DEMENTED jokes” about killing a Republican lawmaker, his wife, and their children. He emphasized that Jones’ remarks were not humorous and urged him to resign immediately. Trump also praised incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares, claiming he would never disappoint Virginians.

The messages, sent in August 2022 to Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner, included references to “three people, two bullets” and violent imagery involving political opponents. Jones later apologized, claiming he reached out to the affected family but initially refused to acknowledge wrongdoing.

Vance echoed Trump’s calls for Jones to drop out, calling him “very deranged.” Meanwhile, Abigail Spanberger, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, condemned the texts but stopped short of demanding Jones’ withdrawal. Coyner had previously urged Jones to cease such remarks.

The controversy emerges amid rising concerns over political violence in the U.S., including the recent shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Critics argue the messages reflect dangerous rhetoric in modern politics.