Jay Jones, who is running to become Virginia's attorney general, has come under fire for a series of text messages calling for the death of political opponents and remarks about police officers. (Maxine Wallace/The Washington Post/Getty Images)
Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, also responded by calling Jones a "dirtbag" and demanding he drop out of the race.
"'As the father of two young boys,' you should know that wishing death upon your political opponents’ children is abhorrent. Drop out, dirtbag," Gill wrote.
While some critics dissected Jones' wording, Rep. Brad Knott, R-N.C., simply asked, "What's your take on political violence?"
Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones speaks at an event in Norfolk. (Trevor Metcalfe/The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Jones excused the tirade by saying he was asking questions. Coyner denied that was the case, saying that Jones was "talking about [hoping] Jennifer Gilbert's children would die."
"Yes, I've told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy," Jones replied.
Coyner told the National Review that she had not spoken to Jones since the exchanges, other than having short discussions about policy. She told the outlet in a statement that "what he said was not just disturbing but disqualifying for anyone who wants to seek public office."
Jones acknowledged the text messages and apologized. In a statement to CBS News, he said, "I want to issue my deepest apology to Speaker Gilbert and his family. Reading back those words made me sick to my stomach. I am embarrassed, ashamed and sorry."
Democrats have largely avoided calling on Jones to drop out of the race or pulling their endorsements of the embattled candidate.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares speaks during a campaign event for gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears on July 1, 2025, in Vienna, Virginia. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
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On Thursday, Jones is set to debate his opponent, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, at the University of Richmond. The text scandal is expected to be brought up during the debate.
Fox News Digital reached out to Jones' campaign for comment.
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/virginia-dem-jay-jones-fatherhood-themed-post-sparks-outrage-over-past-text-wishing-harm-republicans-kids