Jay Jones Cancels Fundraiser After Violent Text Message Scandal, Campaign in Crisis

Virginia Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones abruptly canceled a high-profile fundraiser Thursday night after leaked text messages calling for the Republican lawmaker to be shot, according to a new report.

The Norfolk Democrat had been slated to host the event at novelist David Baldacci’s home, with Senator Tim Kaine set to attend, but the campaign scrapped the gathering following intense backlash, Axios reported. Donors were notified that their contributions would be refunded, signaling a full-blown crisis inside Jones’s campaign.

The controversy stems from text messages Jones sent in 2022 to GOP Delegate Carrie Coyner, in which he appeared to fantasize about executing then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert. “Three people, two bullets,” Jones wrote, listing “Gilbert, Hitler, and Pol Pot” — and adding that “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”

Coyner responded uneasily, texting, “Please stop.” She has since accused Jones of making other disturbing remarks, including suggesting during a 2020 discussion that more police deaths would lead to fewer shootings if qualified immunity were revoked.

Jones, who previously served in the Virginia House of Delegates, has apologized for what he called a “grave mistake,” saying he personally contacted Gilbert and his wife to apologize. Still, the fallout has been severe, with Virginia Republicans and law enforcement groups calling for him to withdraw from the race.

Senator Kaine said the messages were “indefensible” but stopped short of withdrawing support, telling reporters he remains a “supporter of Jay.” Meanwhile, Governor Glenn Youngkin called the comments “beyond disqualifying,” saying Jones “doesn’t have the morality or character” to continue running.

Jones has avoided public appearances since the scandal broke last Friday, and insiders tell Axios that his campaign has entered “full crisis mode.” The timing is particularly sensitive for Democrats, who are already facing criticism in the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination last month.

For now, the candidate’s political future appears uncertain. With donors backing away, endorsements wavering, and outrage still spreading, even Democratic strategists concede that Jay Jones’ once-promising campaign for Virginia attorney general may not recover.