Jay Jones prepares to take office — and put his violent text scandal behind him

Democrat Jay Jones, Virginia’s attorney general-elect, won his race earlier this month despite facing a scandal involving years-old violent text messages that threatened to upend his candidacy in the final weeks of the contest

Democrat Jay Jones, Virginia’s attorney general-elect, won his race earlier this month despite facing a scandal involving years-old violent text messages that threatened to upend his candidacy in the final weeks of the contest.

Benefiting from a strong political environment for the party and a decisive win from the Democrat at the top of the ticket, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, Jones managed to defeat incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares by more than 6 points.

Now, as he turns his attention to taking office in the coming weeks, Jones is still shaking off the after-effects of the controversy. Critics continue to question how he can serve as Virginia’s top law enforcement officer when he sent violent text messages about a top Republican in the state and his family.

While many of Jones’ allies argue his victory shows voters have forgiven him, others suggest he still has work to do to win the trust of the state’s residents and officials.

“There is no doubt it was a cloud over his election. It will be discussed around his inauguration and when he gets started,” said one Democratic strategist with experience in Virginia politics and campaigns. “But scandals have short lifespans in politics.”