Youngkin Highlights Jay Jones' Controversial Remarks as Obama Campaigns in Virginia Election

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has publicly criticized the Democratic ticket, specifically highlighting controversial past remarks made by Attorney General candidate Jay Jones, as former President Barack Obama and Maryland Governor Wes Moore campaigned in the state. Youngkin's statement comes just days before the November 4 general election, where early in-person voting concluded on November 1.

"When @BarackObama and @iamwesmoore come to Virginia today, they are stumping for a ticket that endorses this message from @jonesjay about Republicans," Youngkin stated in a social media post, urging voters to support Republican candidates. The tweet specifically endorsed Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears for Governor, John Reid for Lieutenant Governor, and Jason Miyares for Attorney General.

The "message from Jay Jones about Republicans" refers to controversial text messages from 2022, in which Jones reportedly mused about violence against a Republican leader. According to reports, Jones wrote, "three people two bullets…Gilbert, Hitler, and Polpot…Gilbert gets two bullets to the head," referencing former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert. Jones has since apologized for the comments, stating, "I take full responsibility for my actions, and I want to issue my deepest apology to Speaker Gilbert and his family."

The incident has become a significant point of contention in the Attorney General's race, where incumbent Republican Jason Miyares is seeking re-election against Democrat Jay Jones. Polls indicate that the controversy has impacted Jones' standing, with Miyares reportedly holding a lead in the race. This dynamic has provided Republicans with a key issue to leverage against Democrats in the final days of campaigning.

Former President Obama rallied with Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger in Norfolk on November 1, aiming to energize the Democratic base. The 2025 Virginia elections feature high-stakes races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General, alongside all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. Governor Youngkin is ineligible for re-election due to state law prohibiting consecutive gubernatorial terms.