By: Maria-Paula

Loudoun County attorney, Phillip Thompson, recently urged Black voters to stand by Democratic Attorney General candidate Jay Jones.

“We can’t leave our AG candidate behind, we have to go rescue Jay,” was Thompson’s plea to a mostly Black audience at Vision Community Church of Fredericksburg.

Jones, once a front runner in the race against Republican incumbent Jason Miyares, has seen his campaign shaken by controversy over violent text messages he sent in 2022 and a speeding conviction now under renewed scrutiny by the presiding judge in the case. In the texts, Jones made threats against a political opponent, comments he has since called “shameful” and apologized for publicly.

The fallout has tightened the race with a recent Schar School poll showing Jones and Miyares tied at 46 percent each among likely voters with Jones still enjoying stronger backing at 61 percent.

At the Sunday’s get-out-the-vote event, which also featured Delegate Josh Cole, House candidates Stacey Carroll and Nicole Cole, the speakers called for unity and turnout across Virginia’s Black communities. On the other hand, Jones promised to remain in the race.

“Jay made a mistake, but we don’t abandon our own,” said Richmond pastor Rev. Terrence Wallace. “We hold him accountable and we lift him up.”

Political analysts say mobilizing Black voters could prove decisive not just for Jones but for the entire Democratic ticket.

“This isn’t just about one man,” Thompson said. “It’s about keeping justice and fairness in our own hands.”