Tim Kaine stands with Jay Jones amid violent text controversy

Republicans have called on Jones to withdraw from the race, though he has thus far declined to do so.

Published: October 8, 2025 12:31pm

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., on Wednesday insisted he still supported Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones, despite an ongoing scandal over his alleged text messages fantasizing about the death of a political opponent.

“Jay has apologized. The statements that he made were indefensible, but I’ve known Jay Jones for 25 years, and I think those statements were not in character,” Kaine said, according to The Hill. "I wish other people in public life would sincerely apologize for stuff so, no, I still am a supporter."

Jones allegedly made the texts to a Democratic state representative in regards to then-state House Speaker Todd Gilbert, saying he "gets two bullets to the head."

Republicans have called on Jones to withdraw from the race, though he has thus far declined to do so.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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