Jay Jones targeted as AGs urge national groups to deny membership over scandals: 'Stain on our institution'

Jones, a former Democratic state delegate from Norfolk, upset popular Virginia Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares - a race that was considered a bellwether for an eventual disastrous election night for the GOP across the commonwealth.

Knudsen, along with a growing list of at least five other state attorneys general, are urging the Attorney General Alliance and the National Association of Attorneys General to deny Jones' membership.

"We write with grave concern about Virginia Attorney General-elect Jay Jones," the letter begins.

"His conduct raises serious questions about his judgment, temperament, and fitness to serve as a state attorney general."

The letter described how Jones in 2022 sent messages to outgoing Virginia Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Hopewell, that were "explicit fantasies of violence" against then-Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah.

"Further demonstrating his depravity, Mr. Jones expressed his desire to go to the funerals of his political opponents 'to p[---] on their graves' and 'send them out awash in something.'"

The attorneys general claimed that Jones has exhibited a pattern of garnering "political success" by "wishing death" on others.

Jones, however, adamantly denied he ever said that - telling the Scope that he has "never believed and do not believe that any harm should come to law enforcement, period."

"While Mr. Jones has issued an apology, it fails to convey genuine contrition. He does not fully acknowledge the danger posed by his words, nor the profound breach of public trust they represent," Knudsen and his fellow prosecutors countered.

"This is not a trivial lapse in judgment; it is a red flag about temperament, accountability, and fitness for office."

They concluded that their effort was not based on partisan politics but public trust and "basic human decency."

"Allowing Mr. Jones to participate would be a stain on our institutions and an abject moral failure. Your response will demonstrate whether our profession holds all members accountable, or whether violent rhetoric will go unchecked," they said.

Jones also said he later contacted Gilbert to apologize.

Fox News Digital reached out to Jones via his campaign for further comment.