Polls show close Virginia attorney general race between Miyares, Jones after text scandal

Polls are showing a close Virginia attorney general race between incumbent Republican Jason Miyares and Democratic candidate Jay Jones after the latter's text scandal.

According to the latest Decision Desk HQ polling average, Miyares and Jones are tied with 46.4% support.

The average includes an Oct. 8-10 poll from Trafalgar Group that shows Miyares at 48.9% to Jones' 43.1%. Another poll from Oct. 6–7 released by the Republican Attorneys General Association and conducted by Cygnal found Miyares at 45.8% and Jones at 43.7%. Jones' campaign released a poll conducted by Hart Research from Oct. 4-6 that showed him at 46% to Miyares' 45%.

The polls show Miyares closing the gap since Jones' text messages from August 2022 that made violent references to then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R) were first published by the National Review on Oct. 3.

In the 2022 texts that Jones wrote to Virginia GOP Delegate Carrie Coyner he said, “Three people, two bullets. Gilbert, Hitler and Pol Pot. Gilbert gets two bullets to the head.”

The Democratic attorney general candidate also reportedly included a statement wishing harm to Gilbert's children.

Jones apologized after the texts were published, saying he takes “full responsibility” for his actions.

“Reading back those words made me sick to my stomach. I am embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry,” Jones said. He added that he reached out to apologize directly to Gilbert and his family.

Jones and Miyares are to face off in a debate on Thursday.