Story perspectives
Virginia Governor Race Erupts in Violent Text Controversy
10/8/2025
50 11
1 of 1
Story summary
- Violent texts from Democratic Jay Jones disrupted Virginia's governor race, and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears seized on the controversy.
- Earle-Sears accused Abigail Spanberger of backing Jay Jones, who sent texts suggesting violence against Republicans.
- Jones apologized for the messages, which included disturbing comments about Republican Todd Gilbert.
- Spanberger condemned violent language but faced mounting pressure to withdraw as the race shifted.
