Virginia Elects Democrat Jay Jones as Attorney General Despite Texting Scandal

Jones held a 6-point polling lead last month when texts were released that showed he allegedly fantasizing about shooting Virginia’s then-House speaker, Todd Gilbert.

Jay Jones

Steve Helber/AP

Jay Jones is projected Tuesday to become the next attorney general of Virginia, following a tight election against incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares.

The Associated Press called the race just after 10 p.m. Tuesday evening, with Jones receiving roughly 52% of the vote and Miyares taking home 47%, with more than 90% of ballots counted.

Jones began his campaign focusing on criminal justice reform, expanding affordable housing and restoring trust in state government, but his message was quickly overshadowed by a texting scandal that erupted last month.