Mark Earley, a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, criticized Jay Jones’ messages about Republicans and their children dying as “sick” and “beyond the pale,” urging bipartisan condemnation. The statement was made on Earley’s official X account.
“Jay Jones literally mused about a Republican colleague getting shot and the children of Republicans dying so they would change their opinions,” said Earley. “That’s sick — so far beyond the pale. I hope Leslie Mehta, and everyone in Virginia, will join me in denouncing these sentiments and calling for Jay Jones to drop out of the race. He’s unfit for office.”
In September 2025, text messages from former Delegate Jay Jones surfaced, showing he joked about a Republican colleague being shot and imagined the children of Republicans dying so they would “change their opinions.” These remarks drew sharp bipartisan condemnation and prompted calls for Jones to exit the Attorney General race.
The Virginia Fraternal Order of Police condemned Jones’ statements as “indefensible” and urged him to withdraw, emphasizing that anyone seeking to lead law enforcement must demonstrate integrity and respect for the rule of law. Their statement echoed concerns from both Republican and Democratic officials across the Commonwealth.
Jones admitted to sending the texts and called them “embarrassing” and “wrong.” He issued a general apology saying, “I have sent text messages that I regret,” but did not specifically address the violent references. Despite bipartisan calls to step aside, he has refused to withdraw from the race for Virginia Attorney General.
According to his campaign website, Mark Earley is a constitutional conservative, attorney, and community leader committed to “restoring common sense and accountability to Richmond.” His platform focuses on parental rights, public safety, economic freedom, and defending religious liberty. He emphasizes honest leadership and faith-based service to Virginia families.
