Jay Jones faces scrutiny over a couple of controversies in what’s become a tight Virginia attorney generals’ race.
Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones is trying to keep the focus on policy. In an interview with WUSA9 one week after his debate, the Democrat spent much of his time steering away from questions about controversy and doubling down on his criticism of Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares and former President Donald Trump.
With less than two weeks until Election Day, Jones faces a political storm of his own making, which includes a reckless driving conviction to questions about his community service hours and the lingering text message scandal that prompted some Republicans to call for his resignation. In the interview, Jones framed the scrutiny as part of the high-stakes fight for Virginia’s future.
“This race has always been about the future of this Commonwealth,” Jones said. “It’s never been about me. We’re focused on listening to Virginians, lowering costs, and holding this administration accountable.”
Following reports that a special prosecutor is assigned to review how he completed his community service hours for his reckless driving conviction, Jones maintained that he has “taken accountability” for his actions when asked if he could clear up the allegations.
“I paid a substantial fine and completed a driver improvement course,” he said. “The hours I completed were reviewed and accepted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney and the general district court judge. I’ve taken responsibility and we deserve leaders who do that too.”
Then Jones turned his attention to his Republican rival.
“Jason Miyares cannot hold the president accountable,” Jones said. “He’s had 50 opportunities to do so since January, and he hasn’t. That comes at our expense.”
Throughout the interview, Jones repeatedly tied Miyares to former President Donald Trump, which is a relationship he said undermines the independence Virginians deserve from their attorney general.
“I don’t take orders from the president,” Jones said. “Jason does. That’s why Donald Trump endorsed him with his full might because he knows Jason will do his bidding instead of working for the people of Virginia.”
The race has tightened in recent weeks, with the latest VCU Commonwealth Poll showing Miyares leading by three points. Jones brushed off the numbers, saying Virginia has always been a battleground.
“We knew this race would be close,” he said. “But Jason Miyares is the only one endorsed by Donald Trump. People are worried about their rights, about rising costs, about federal overreach, and all of that ties back to Trump. We need an attorney general who will stand up to him, not kneel.”
When asked why he didn’t step down after the text controversy, Jones replied by saying voters care about leadership, not political noise.
“This race has never been about me,” he said again. “It’s about what Virginians deserve, an attorney general who’s going to fight for them every single day, protect their health care, keep their communities safe, and push back against the excess and chaos coming from Washington.”
Jones has apologized for the text messages that sparked the scandal in early October, but he declined to explain why he sent the messages in the first place, instead, framing his campaign around accountability and economic relief. He also declined to say if Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger asked him to step down.
“Virginians want leaders who can admit mistakes and hold others accountable,” he said. “My sole focus right now is holding Donald Trump accountable for the things he’s doing to people in Virginia every day.”
He also took aim at Miyares’ record in office, accusing him of failing to defend public schools and workers.
Asked whether he could work with Republicans if elected alongside GOP gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, Jones said his job would be to “enforce the laws” and “hold everyone accountable.”
“I look forward to getting to work for the people of Virginia,” he said. “We need to protect our health care, our communities, and make sure we get our fair share. Everyone, regardless of party, has a job to do.”