The Virginia attorney general debate was a heated affair, with Republican Jason Miyares and Democrat Jay Jones clashing over Jones' violent texts. Miyares, the incumbent, used the texts as evidence of Jones' unfitness for the role, suggesting that his character was revealed in the messages. He emphasized that Jones' actions were unacceptable and that he should not be trusted as Virginia's top law enforcement officer.
Miyares' opening statement set the tone, stating, 'Character is what you do in the dark when no one is watching.' He then addressed Jones directly, saying, 'If you were to apply to be a line prosecutor, you would not pass a background check.' Miyares criticized Jones for his lack of remorse, stating, 'You had three years to say you’re sorry, Jay, and you didn’t. Three years to actually recognize what you did was horrific. You chose to stay silent.'
Jones, a former state lawmaker, apologized and expressed deep regret during the debate. He said, 'I am ashamed, I am embarrassed, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry to Speaker Gilbert, I’m sorry to his family, I’m sorry to my family, and I’m sorry to every single Virginian.' However, Miyares continued to press the issue, asking voters to consider the implications of Jones' texts.
The debate took a national turn as Jones criticized Miyares for not standing up to President Donald Trump and his policies. Jones accused Miyares of being a 'willing cheerleader' for Trump's actions, which he claimed have hurt Virginians. Miyares, however, defended his record, stating that he had sued both the Trump and Biden administrations to protect veterans.
The conversation frequently veered into national subjects, including abortion, transgender rights, and immigration. Despite Jones' attempts to shift the focus, Miyares kept the debate centered on Jones' texts, questioning his ability to trust and hold him accountable. Miyares concluded by asking voters, 'How can we trust Jay Jones to prosecute a gang member, knowing that he asked for an innocent Virginian to get two bullets to his head?'
The debate's timing was crucial, with early voting already open and Republicans pouring money into the race, highlighting Jones' violent texts in their ads. The debate's outcome will significantly impact the Virginia attorney general race and the state's political landscape.
