January 1, VP Vance Demands Democrat Quit After Shocking Texts

Wyatt’s Take

• Top Republicans urge Jay Jones to drop out after violent texts surface.
• Text messages referenced shooting a political rival and his children dying.
• Jay Jones admits wrongdoing and apologizes.

Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson have demanded Virginia Democrat Jay Jones exit the attorney general race. Their call comes after texts from Jones surfaced, describing violence toward a Republican lawmaker and referencing his children dying.

Vance didn’t hold back on social media.

“The Democrat candidate for AG in Virginia has been fantasizing about murdering his political opponents in private messages. I’m sure the people hyperventilating about sombrero memes will join me in calling for this very deranged person to drop out of the race.”

Johnson agreed.

“These text messages are plainly disqualifying for anyone who aspires to public office. There is no conceivable justification for wishing violence against a political opponent and their children.”

“Mr. Jay Jones should immediately withdraw his candidacy, save himself and his party from further embarrassment, and take some time to reflect.”

The texts were confirmed by Delegate Carrie Coyner, the Republican recipient, who said Jones went on to reference Delegate Todd Gilbert’s children dying. Coyner publicly called the messages disqualifying.

Jones resigned from the Virginia House in 2022, but Republican leaders, including Governor Glenn Youngkin and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, say Democrats should demand Jones step aside. So far, Democrats have stayed largely silent.

Jones has apologized.

“The words made him sick to his stomach.”

He said he wished he could take them back.

Wyatt Matters

Hardworking Americans expect leaders who act with decency and treat each other with respect. Words matter, and this story reminds us what’s truly at stake in our elections.

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