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)
The text scandal has proven to be a major flashpoint in the race, as concerns about violent political rhetoric have reached new heights following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and two attempted assassinations of President Donald Trump.
"We just want to clarify, what you're saying is, as of now, you still endorse Jay Jones as attorney general?" the moderator asked Spanberger point-blank.
"I'm saying, as of now, it's up to every voter to make their own individual decision. I am running for governor, I am accountable for the words that I say, for the acts that I take, for the policies that I have put out," Spanberger responded. "I am responsible for the policies I put out and the work I will endeavor to do tirelessly for the people."
Winsome Earle-Sears, Republican gubernatorial candidate for Virginia, center, during a campaign event at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department in Vienna, Virginia, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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In response to those accusations, Earle-Sears did not condemn the president's words, but did say it was something she would not say herself personally.
"As I've said before, I would not say that," Earle-Sears said of the Trump comments.
Fox News Digital's Charles Creitz contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/spanberger-refuses-urge-jay-jones-exit-race-dodges-questions-after-two-bullets-texts