The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee announced it is maintaining support for Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones after text messages surfaced in which he discussed violence against a political opponent and referenced the opponent’s family.

The committee’s statement and subsequent television remarks from Democratic strategist Neera Tanden drew new attention to the race and prompted renewed calls from some officials for Jones to withdraw.

In a statement, the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee said, “The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee (VBDC) reaffirms its full support of Jay Jones for Attorney General. We are lined up, ten toes down—ready to organize, mobilize, and deliver voters for Jay and our entire Democratic ticket.”

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“Recent press may have spotlighted past mistakes. We say, let those without sin cast the first stone. Jay Jones has taken responsibility, apologized, and shown he is committed to serving with integrity and accountability that his public record already shows. Virginians deserve a leader who learns, grows, and stands for everyday people and Jay is that leader. Jay Jones is a stark contrast to Jason Miyares in every way. In his tenure, Miyares has failed to stand up for Virginia families’ concerns or values. He has not defended women’s reproductive rights, workers’ rights or protected the hundreds of thousands of Virginians who are on the verge of losing access to their healthcare benefits and service providers. The VBDC is calling on all Virginians to line up behind Jay Jones. Together, in November we will defend democracy, and secure leadership in the Attorney General’s office that truly serves all the people of Virginia,” the Democrat Committee added.

The committee’s statement followed national coverage of the messages and reactions from both parties.

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During an appearance on “Meet the Press,” Neera Tanden, a former advisor to Joe Biden, addressed the disclosures after fellow guest Marc Short highlighted the language in the texts and contrasted it with unrelated social media posts involving national Democratic leaders.

Tanden responded: “I absolutely think that people should criticize that, 100 percent. I think it was a private conversation he had, but still awful and disgusting. It should be condemned.”

“I think it was a private conversation he had… But then, we should condemn that, but then you should condemn when the president calls the Democratic Party, the party of Satan,” she added.

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The statements intensified questions for statewide candidates about Jones’ status in the race.

Some officials urged Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger to press Jones to step aside.

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Spanberger has previously expressed support for Jones but did not call for him to withdraw after the messages became public.

In a written statement, Spanberger said, “After learning of these comments earlier today, I spoke frankly with Jay about my disgust with what he had said and texted. I made clear to Jay that he must fully take responsibility for his words. What I have also made clear is that as a candidate — and the next Governor of our Commonwealth, I will always condemn violent language in our politics.”

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As of the latest statements, several Democratic endorsements remained in place.

Additionally, major Democratic politicians as well as left-wing organizations have not withdrawn their endorsement for Jones.

These include Senator Cory Booker, former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, and many others.

The developments kept the attorney general contest in focus as party organizations and surrogates addressed both the contents of the messages and the broader discussion about rhetoric in political campaigns.

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The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee reiterated that it intends to continue organizing for the Democratic ticket, while critics pointed to the language in the texts and called for additional steps from party leaders.

The renewed attention on the race follows reporting that detailed the content of the 2022 communications and reactions from elected officials and candidates.

In the wake of the committee’s statement and national television comments, the campaign continued with no announced change in Jones’ status as the Democratic nominee.

Party officials and political figures in Virginia signaled that further statements and appeals to voters would follow as early voting proceeds and the election approaches.

The committee’s declaration of support emphasized work on turnout, while statements from other Democrats highlighted the expectation that candidates address violent rhetoric.

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Republican officials and party committees responded by urging Jones to end his campaign and by contrasting the messages with the responsibilities of the state’s top legal office.

As of Monday, endorsements cited by supporters remained active, and the Democratic ticket’s campaign activities continued alongside ongoing public debate about the conduct and standards expected in statewide races.