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Jay Jones, Democrat, and Jason Miyares, Republican.

 [ POLITICS ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=396)

#  The Race For Attorney General In Virginia Is A Moment Of Truth For Democrats

October 23 2025

Written by Matthew Hetz.

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VIRGINIA RACE - The race for Virginia attorney general features Jay Jones, Democrat, and Jason Miyares, Republican. The race has national implications for the Democratic Party, if they are to be believed to be the party opposing political violence and establishing gun controls and regulations.

Jay Jones, as reported by the [Virginia Mercury](https://virginiamercury.com/2025/10/05/beyond-disqualifying-jay-jones-controversy-jolts-virginias-pivotal-2025-elections/) , sent a message musing on shooting former Virginia House Speak Todd Gilbert.

“The [National Review story](https://www.nationalreview.com/news/dem-ag-nominee-jay-jones-fantasized-about-shooting-former-virginia-gop-speaker-he-receives-both-bullets/) revealed an August 2022 exchange between Jones — a former Norfolk delegate and one-time assistant attorney general — and Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield. In the texts, Jones described a scenario in which Gilbert “gets two bullets to the head,” followed by a wish that the Republican lawmaker’s children “die in their mother’s arms.”

In a statement Friday evening, Jones admitted sending the messages and said he takes “full responsibility” for his actions. He apologized directly to Todd Gilbert and his family, and vowed to work to regain Virginians’ trust.”

*Once a word leaves your mouth, you cannot chase it back even with the swiftest horse. – Chinese Proverbs*

Rightfully there have been multiple calls for Jones to withdraw from the race. While I do not live in Virginia, I am a Democrat, and find Jones statement appallingly wrong, and dangerous.

Republican have seized on Jones statement, pointing out the inherent danger in it, and I agree. Indeed, Republicans and MAGA are going after Democrats for not making Jones resign, which he should, or having the Democratic Party take him out of the race, which they should.

For the political party of gun control and regulations and opposing political violence, this inaction is hypocrisy by the Democratic party in Virginia, and nationally. If they do to take him off the ballot it will haunt the party for years.

Democrats’ future attempts for legislation for gun regulation and control will be met with derision that the party supported a candidate who promoted “two shots to the head” and another man’s children “die in their mother’s arms.” This will be used across the nation in state legislatures and Congress.

Jay Jones’ apologies are needed and welcome, but they are not sufficient. He should resign and follow a rehabilitation, and maybe return to the public stage later, but now his words are harmful.

This is a test for the Democratic Party.

Do they have the fortitude to discipline their own when very egregious and dangerous words are spoken, or written?

Do they have the organizational skills to know that this situation can lead to sinking the ship, and can they set a new course which must be taken?

Does the Democratic Party even realize their sins of omission by them for not taking action and removing this candidate from the race?

Will the party have the fortitude to follow through on their own platform?

Lose the race but retain a moral center. If there is no moral center, the Democratic Party is empty except for sanctimonious statements.

This is a moment of truth to see if the Democratic Party lives by its words.

*(**Matthew Hetz** is a Los Angeles native and composer whose works have been performed nationally. He is the former President of the Culver City Symphony Orchestra and Marina del Rey Symphony. A passionate transit advocate, Matthew is dedicated to improving the rider experience and encouraging drivers to embrace public transportation as a solution to air pollution and climate change. He teaches at Emeritus/Santa Monica College and is a regular contributor to CityWatchLA.com.)*

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