Miyares Leads After Jones Texts Scandal

Leaked 2022 text messages in which Democratic nominee Jay Jones mused about shooting then‑House Speaker Todd Gilbert and made violent comments about his family have roiled the Virginia attorney general race, prompting apologies from Jones and calls from Republicans — including President Trump — for him to drop out. A VCU Wilder School poll conducted Oct. 6–14 shows incumbent Republican Jason Miyares leading 45% to Jones’ 42%, a reversal from earlier polls that showed Jones ahead. Jones has responded with a six‑figure statewide ad buy tying Miyares to former President Trump and branding him “Trump’s attorney,” while Miyares’ campaign has aggressively used the texts in attack ads. Opponents have also amplified other controversies in Jones’ past, including a 2022 reckless‑driving conviction and questions about how community service was reported. With more than 700,000 Virginians having already voted early, Democrats are assessing the political damage as Election Day approaches.