Virginia Dems back AG candidate Jay Jones, despite sinister text messages

Democratic Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones faces criticism over 2022 text messages wishing death on Republican Todd Gilbert's children.

Republican Jason Miyares said he was alarmed by reports of Jay Jones recklessly endangering lives. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

"Jay Jones has shown he’s reckless, biased, and willing to trade away his integrity," Miyares wrote in an open letter to Virginians, posted to social media late Saturday. "This conduct is disqualifying."

Miyares’ letter underscored what’s at stake in the race.

CONSUMED WITH HATE’: WINSOME SEARS, JASON MIYARES UNLOAD ON DEMOCRAT JAY JONES OVER VIOLENT TEXTS

"If you believe it is okay to wish death upon a political opponent, vote for my opponent," he wrote. "If you believe it is worth the death of children to advance your political goals, vote for my opponent. If you want to give a green light to violent lunatics, vote for my opponent." 

Miyares said he will protect every Virginian, "regardless of whether they are a Democrat or Republican," adding that he "cannot imagine someone running for this job who advocates for violence."

Speaking on Oct. 4, Earle-Sears decried moral decay in politics and said he had no business running for office.

VIRGINIA GOP LT. GOV. WINSOME EARLE-SEARS VOICES OUTRAGE OVER DEMOCRAT OPPONENTS: ‘INCITING VIOLENCE’

"The enemy is among us, devouring us in Virginia and in America today," Sears said. "Jay Jones fantasizes about murdered little children lying lifeless in their mother's arms. And yet he runs for attorney general, our chief law enforcement officer."

Virginia attorney general candidate Jerrauld "Jay" Jones speaks at an event in Norfolk, Virginia. (Trevor Metcalfe/The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Jones has since apologized, calling the remarks "embarrassing and shameful," and said he had reached out personally to Gilbert and his family.

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The latest revelation comes amid heightened political tensions and a growing number of incidents that have fueled concerns about violence in national politics.

From the dual attempted assassinations of President Donald Trump to the murder of Charlie Kirk, a chilling pattern is unmistakable: the left’s relentless demonization of conservatives is fueling real-world bloodshed.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin called on Jones to drop out of the race Saturday morning, which is roughly four weeks away.

"This violent, disgusting rhetoric targeted at an elected official and his children is beyond disqualifying," Youngkin said on X Saturday morning.

Amanda covers the intersection of business and geopolitics for Fox News Digital.

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