U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) refused [1] to say whether she would rescind her endorsement of Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones after reports surfaced of violent text messages in which Jones allegedly threatened to shoot Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert and made additional threats against Gilbert’s family.
According to messages obtained by the National Review, Jones wrote to a colleague in 2022 expressing that he wanted to put “two bullets” in Gilbert’s head.
The messages also included comments directed at Gilbert’s wife and children. “I’ve told you this before. Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy,” Jones allegedly texted to Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner.
He went on to say, “I mean do I think Todd and Jennifer are evil? And that they’re breeding little fascists? Yes.”
The threats prompted widespread condemnation from both sides of the political spectrum, though Jones has remained in the race for attorney general.
Spanberger has denounced the comments but has so far stopped short of withdrawing her endorsement or calling for Jones to drop out.
During a televised debate Wednesday night between Spanberger and her Republican opponent, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the issue was raised directly.
Spanberger acknowledged she was “aware of” Jones’ messages but avoided taking a clear position on whether she would revoke her support.
“I denounced them when I learned of them and I will denounce them every chance I get,” Spanberger said.
Earle-Sears immediately pressed her for a direct answer on whether she would retract her endorsement, but Spanberger did not respond directly.
Co-moderator Deanna Albrittin followed up, giving Spanberger 15 seconds to clarify her position.
“We are all running our individual races. I believe my opponent has said that about her lieutenant governor nominee. And it’s up to every person to make their own decision. I am running my race to serve Virginia, and that is what I intend to do,” Spanberger said.
When moderators provided yet another opportunity to give a direct yes or no answer, Spanberger repeated her comments about “individual races” and personal choices without addressing whether she would continue to back Jones.
Earle-Sears then turned to her opponent and asked pointedly whether it would take Jones “pulling the trigger” for Spanberger to withdraw her endorsement.
Spanberger’s refusal to answer drew criticism online and from several political observers who noted her reluctance to confront the issue head-on.
Her body language during the exchange also became a focus of attention, as viewers pointed out that she frequently avoided eye contact with Earle-Sears, who faced her directly throughout the discussion.
Another tense moment came when Earle-Sears criticized Spanberger for what she described as a delayed response to a racist protest sign that appeared at one of the lieutenant governor’s campaign events.
The sign targeted Earle-Sears, who is Black, and stated she should be forced to use a separate water fountain if she opposed biological males competing in women’s sports.
The debate, viewed as one of the most consequential of the campaign, comes amid tightening polling in Virginia’s gubernatorial and congressional races.
A Cygnal poll released this week showed Spanberger leading Earle-Sears by just four points, 47% to 43%, with 5.6% of respondents undecided.
The same polling firm’s September survey had Spanberger ahead by seven points, indicating a steady narrowing of the race in recent weeks.