In the crucible of Virginia’s 2025 attorney general race, a leaked scandal from August 2022 has erupted, threatening Democratic nominee Jay Jones’ campaign against Republican incumbent Jason Miyares. On October 3, 2025—just weeks before Election Day—National Review unveiled screenshots of private text messages where Jones, then a former state delegate, unleashed a chilling fantasy of violence against then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R-Shenandoah). Sent to Republican Del. Carrie Coyner amid a debate on gun violence legislation, the full quote reads: “Three people two bullets Gilbert, hitler, and pol pot Gilbert gets two bullets to the head Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time.” Coyner urged him to stop, but Jones allegedly doubled down in a follow-up call, suggesting he wished Gilbert’s wife could witness their children’s deaths to force a rethink on guns. Reports also indicate Jones accused Gilbert of raising his children to be “future fascists,” amplifying the personal venom.
Insight: This is the worst political rhetoric I’ve ever encountered—far exceeding Madonna’s 2017 White House muse about blowing it up. Jones’ texts are specific, targeting Gilbert with two bullets to the head, deeming him worse than Hitler or Pol Pot, and wishing death on his kids, whom he smeared as “future fascists.” Madonna’s outburst was a broad, impulsive rant against a symbol; Jones’ was a calculated, personal hit list. It’s a leap from hyperbole to assassination fantasy, echoing Gaza’s indoctrination or the assassination of Kirk cheers, but with a precision that chills the spine. In 2025’s violence-racked landscape, this isn’t just talk—it’s a blueprint.
Jones, who left the House of Delegates in 2021 after a primary loss, issued an apology on October 4, 2025, saying the words made him “sick to my stomach” and that he’d contacted Gilbert’s family: “I am so deeply, deeply sorry for what I said and I wish that it hadn’t happened and I would take it back if I could.” The damage, however, is seismic. Early voting is underway, and Miyares now leads by 4 points in a Roanoke College poll from October 7. The texts leaked after Jones mis-sent them to Coyner, who alerted Gilbert, threatening to derail the Democratic slate, including gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger.
As of 10:33 PM PDT, October 8, 2025, the backlash is sharp and bipartisan. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) called it “demented” and “beyond disqualifying,” tweeting, “Jay Jones said that ‘Gilbert gets two bullets to the head’ and then hoped his children would die.” President Trump endorsed Miyares on Truth Social, demanding Jones “drop out of the Race, IMMEDIATELY,” and labeling it “RESIGNATION FROM CAMPAIGN TERRITORY.” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R) said, “There is no conceivable justification for wishing violence against a political opponent and their children.” Del. Geary Higgins (R), a recent death threat recipient, tied it to Democrats’ “violent rhetoric that has gotten people hurt.”
Insight: Yet the pattern holds—no Democratic officeholder has called for Jones to drop out. Spanberger’s statement labeled the texts “abhorrent” but dodged a withdrawal demand, calling it a “distraction” at a church event. Sens. Louise Lucas and Mamie Locke (both D) called it “deeply disturbing” but shifted to election focus. Just like no Democrat rebuked Madonna for her White House “muse,” this silence persists. In my opinion, the event surprises Madonna’s muse because it was a spontaneous outburst of anger rather than a calculated threat, yet the lack of party pushback normalizes such extremism—Jones’ specificity makes it far worse.
The stakes are high. Virginia’s races signal 2026 midterms, with Democrats’ slim poll edge crumbling under this “October Surprise.” Republicans link it to the Kirk assassination and Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman’s killing. Jones leans on his apology, but will the party break the cycle?
Insight: This ties to my prior work: From squirt-gun teachers to Tylenol stunts and Madonna’s muse, Jones’ texts escalate the Hamacrat rhetoric to a targeted death wish. The lack of Democratic rebuke—echoing Madonna’s unchallenged outburst—cements a culture of incitement. With no brakes, who stops the slide? Virginia’s voters hold the answer tonight.
Published by Editor, Sammy Campbell.