New polling data reveals a dramatic shift in Virginia’s attorney general race, with Republican Jason Miyares surging to the lead over Democrat Jay Jones, fueled by President Donald Trump’s endorsement and backlash against Jones’ inflammatory rhetoric.
The Quantus Insights poll shows Miyares now holds a 45% to 42% advantage over Jones, marking a stark reversal from earlier in the campaign cycle when Jones led by 6 points. The turnaround follows the exposure of Jones’ 2022 text messages, in which he fantasized about killing political opponents and their families, including former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his children.
Trump publicly condemned Jones, calling him an “animal” and demanding his resignation. In a Truth Social post, the former president criticized Jones for “sick and demented jokes” about murdering lawmakers and stated Miyares had his “complete and total endorsement.” Trump also expressed disbelief that Jones could remain in the race, saying, “I can’t imagine anybody voting for Jay Jones. Look, you would think he’s totally discredited.”
The controversy has not deterred some Virginia Democrats from supporting Jones. Abigail Spanberger, a gubernatorial candidate, continues to endorse him despite the revelations, and her campaign still sells Jones-branded merchandise. However, the latest Virginia Commonwealth University poll also shows Miyares ahead, with analysts noting voters are increasingly scrutinizing candidates’ past actions.
With Election Day just two weeks away, the race remains competitive, but the shift in momentum underscores growing public resistance to violent rhetoric in politics.
