In a startling revelation that has shaken Virginia’s political landscape, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has publicly responded to a scandal involving Jay Jones, the Democratic candidate for attorney general.
According to Fox News, the controversy centers on violent text messages sent by Jones in 2022, threatening former Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children, which Spanberger described as a "poor choice" while still endorsing Jones through her campaign merchandise.
The incident dates back to 2022, when Jay Jones, then a political figure in Virginia, sent private text messages to a colleague expressing a desire for harm against Gilbert and his family. These messages, though not intended for public view, have since surfaced and sparked significant backlash. Republicans have expressed outrage over the violent nature of the texts, while many Democrats have shown unease about the implications of Jones’ words.
This controversy has emerged as one of the most contentious issues in Spanberger’s campaign for governor. The texts have drawn sharp criticism, with some liberal voices urging Jones to withdraw from the attorney general race. Despite the growing pressure, Jones has remained a candidate, and Democrats, including Spanberger, have largely continued to support him.
On Monday, October 20, 2025, Spanberger addressed the issue during an interview with Bill Fitzgerald, host at WTVR CBS 6. She was questioned about her stance on Jones’ apology for the threatening messages sent years prior. Fitzgerald specifically asked if she was content with how Jones handled the situation during a recent debate among attorney general candidates.
In her response, Spanberger did not shy away from criticizing the messages. "Well, I want to begin by, first, you know, condemning clearly the texts that he sent to a colleague," she said. "And I condemned them as soon as I learned of them and, you know, called on Jay Jones to publicly explain himself."
Spanberger went on to acknowledge Jones’ efforts to make amends for his actions. "And I think that he’s been quite clear in his apologies and in his taking ownership of that poor choice," she added. Her comments suggest a willingness to move past the incident while still recognizing its gravity.
Spanberger also highlighted the timing of the controversy, noting the significant number of Virginians who have already cast their ballots. "You know, importantly, at this point, we’ve got hundreds of thousands of Virginians who have voted," she stated. She emphasized the importance of the recent debate in helping voters distinguish between the candidates’ approaches.
Spanberger further elaborated on the debate’s impact during her interview. "Certainly, I think that debate was an important one for being able to show the contrast in the difference between two different approaches for voters," she explained. She underscored its role in guiding voters as they make choices early or on Election Day.
Despite her public disapproval of the texts, Spanberger has not distanced herself from Jones’ candidacy. As of the week before her October 20 interview, her campaign website still displayed merchandise promoting Jones. This decision has added another layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama.
The ongoing support for Jones among Democrats, including Spanberger, has raised questions about party unity. Critics argue that standing by Jones could alienate voters who view the texts as unacceptable. Others see Spanberger’s stance as an attempt to maintain cohesion within the Democratic base.
The text message scandal has undeniably heightened the stakes in Virginia’s political races. With early voting underway, the timing of this issue could influence undecided voters. The outrage from Republicans continues to fuel discussions about accountability in politics.
Whether Jones will remain a viable candidate remains uncertain amid calls for his withdrawal. His apology, as noted by Spanberger, may not fully satisfy those disturbed by the original messages. The coming weeks will likely reveal if this controversy impacts his campaign’s momentum.
For Spanberger, navigating this issue is a delicate balance between condemning the texts and supporting her party’s candidate. Her campaign has faced intense scrutiny as a result of this volatile moment. Her ability to address voter concerns while maintaining party loyalty is in the spotlight. As hundreds of thousands of Virginians have already voted, the impact of this scandal on the election remains to be seen. Spanberger’s comments during the interview aim to reassure voters of her stance on the matter. The contrast between candidates, as she highlighted, may play a decisive role in the outcome.