Virginia Democratic AG nominee's violent texts shake up the closing weeks of the state's race for governor

The final month of Virginia’s race for governor appeared poised to center on issues like affordability, abortion and transgender rights

The final month of Virginia’s race for governor appeared poised to center on issues like affordability, abortion and transgender rights.

And then on Friday, it was revealed that a Democratic nominee further down the November ballot, for state attorney general, had suggested that one of the top legislative Republicans in the state be shot in the head in text messages three years ago.

The development, which further inflamed already raw emotions around political violence, has provided an unexpected jolt down the homestretch in what had been a relatively staid election season in Virginia, one of the first major statewide contests to take place since last year's presidential race.

The surfacing of the messages from Democrat Jay Jones quickly sparked criticism from members of both parties, putting Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic nominee and the front-runner in the race for governor, on the defensive during a crucial moment and suddenly giving her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, a potential opening.

Spanberger has maintained substantial advantages over Earle-Sears in polling and fundraising throughout the campaign. But with four weeks still to go before Election Day — and early voting underway — the development promises to be a major factor in shaping the dynamics of the final days of the race.