Democrat Jay Jones, who texted about shooting Republicans, falls behind in Virginia Attorney General race

Democrat Jay Jones, who in texts, spoke about killing Republican opponents, has fallen behind Republican Jason Miyares in the most recent poll of the race. In the poll, he trails 49%-43%.

In an interview, Miyares said Jones’ remarks, in which he fantasized about urinating on the graves of political opponents and shooting then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert, demonstrate “a mindset that makes him disqualified from serving in this office.”

However, in a social media post on Monday, Jones does not appear to be considering pulling out of the race.  “The stakes couldn’t be higher,” Jones said in an X post. “This race will decide whether we have an Attorney General who defends our freedoms, protects our democracy, and prioritizes the needs of Virginians – or one who takes directives from Donald Trump.”

Mr Jones, who never delivered a full apology for his remarks, appears unrepentant about what he said, and the media does not seem to have much of a problem with this. One could only imagine how the media would react if a Republican said what Jones said.

While the new poll shows the public moving against Jones, compared to a poll at the end of September that had Jones ahead by 6%, it does show that Mr Jones has a base of Democratic support that will stay with him no matter what.

While it would have ben heartening to see a total loss of support for Mr Jones, his durable base of support shows just how polarized we are as a country. Miyares should win this race, but it is not yet a foregone conclusion.

Democratic officials, while condemning Jones’ comments, have not called on him to drop out of the race.