Resurfaced text messages from Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia Attorney General, have exposed troubling and violent remarks targeting political opponents. In 2022, Jones sent messages to a former colleague expressing wishes for the death of then-GOP House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family.

The texts, obtained by media outlets, included explicit threats. Jones wrote about wanting to shoot Gilbert and even joked about urinating on his grave if he died before others. He also suggested he would prioritize killing Gilbert over dictators in a hypothetical scenario, prompting concern from the recipient.

Carrie Coyner, a former state legislative colleague, condemned the messages as “disgusting” and “unbecoming of any public official.” She shared screenshots with Gilbert and stated she has not spoken to Jones since. The conversation highlighted the extreme nature of Jones’s rhetoric, which complicates his bid to unseat incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Jones issued a vague apology, expressing regret for his words but failing to address the severity of his statements. Critics argue his remarks demonstrate a lack of judgment, with calls for him to withdraw from the race. Republican Governor candidate Winsome Earle-Sears and others have condemned the threats, emphasizing the inappropriateness of such language for public office.

The revelations have intensified scrutiny of Jones’s suitability for leadership, as Virginians weigh the implications of his past conduct.