NEW: Infamous Democrat Now On Track To Lose Crucial Election In Virginia

The race for Virginia attorney general has been turned upside down after explosive text messages from Democratic challenger Jay Jones surfaced — and voters appear to be punishing him for it.

A new Coefficient poll shows Republican incumbent Jason Miyares leading Jones 46% to 42% among 937 likely voters surveyed between October 15 and 17 — a major swing from August, when the two were deadlocked.

The bump comes as Jones faces a political firestorm over a series of leaked 2022 text messages in which he allegedly said then–House Speaker Todd Gilbert should be shot with “two bullets to the head.” The remark has drawn outrage from both parties and plunged Jones’ campaign into chaos just weeks before Election Day.

Miyares, meanwhile, has solidified his image as a steady hand and tough-on-crime attorney general. According to the poll, his favorability rating now sits at +8 (41% favorable, 33% unfavorable). Voters appear to be rewarding him for tangible results — including securing $1.3 billion from opioid manufacturers, an $80 million settlement from Monsanto, and a $750,000 housing discrimination verdict.

Jones, by contrast, has seen his numbers crater. His favorability now sits at –25, with just 26% viewing him positively and a staggering 51% unfavorably. The violent rhetoric in his messages has been condemned by both Democrats and Republicans alike.

Even Democratic House Speaker Don Scott blasted the comments, calling them “harmful, reckless, and wrong.” GOP officials have seized on the moment, arguing the outburst shows Jones is unfit to serve as Virginia’s top law enforcement officer.

Jones tried to contain the damage during an Oct. 17 debate in Richmond, offering an immediate apology for his words. But political observers say the mea culpa may have come too late, with early voting already underway and headlines about the texts dominating the news cycle.

With Election Day set for Nov. 4, Miyares’ four-point advantage suggests many Virginians are rejecting Jones’ baggage and rallying behind the incumbent. About 11% of voters remain undecided, but analysts say those prioritizing law and order over party loyalty are more likely to side with Miyares.

One thing both parties agree on: in a political climate this charged, talk of violence — even in private — can be career-ending.

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