Spanberger refuses to call on Jay Jones to leave the race during Thursday night’s debate

Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger was repeatedly asked during Thursday’s debate about her continued support for attorney general candidate Jay Jones after text messages surfaced in which he fantasized about putting “two bullets” into the head of Republican Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert.

Debate moderators and her Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, repeatedly asked Spanberger whether she still supported Jones, but Spanberger did not say outright that she no longer supported him.

Spanberger also would not say when she became aware of the inflammatory text messages, which also included violent rhetoric about Gilbert’s children.

“Jay Jones advocated the murder of Abigail, the murder of a man, a former speaker, and his children aged 2 and 5. You have little girls. Would he have to pull the trigger? Is that what would do that?” asked Earle-Sears. “Please ask him to withdraw from the race. Have courage.”

JOE SCARBOROUGH TELLS DEM CANDIDATE JAY JONES TO LEAVE RACE FOLLOWING VIOLENT COMMENTS AGAINST GOP LEGISLATOR

Virginia Attorney General candidate Jerrauld “Jay” Jones speaks at an event in Norfolk, Virginia. (Trevor Metcalfe/The Virginian-Pilot/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

The text scandal proved to be a major flashpoint in the race as concerns about violent political rhetoric reached new heights following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and two assassination attempts on President Donald Trump.

“We just want to clarify, what you’re saying is that as of now, you still support Jay Jones for attorney general?” » the moderator asked Spanberger.

“I say from now on, it’s up to each voter to make their own individual decision. I’m running for governor. I’m responsible for the words I say, the actions I take, the policies I put in place,” Spanberger responded. “I am responsible for the policies I propose and the work I will tirelessly strive to accomplish for the people.”

LIBERAL MEDIA DECREASES DEM VIRGINIA AG SCANDAL JAY JONES’ TEXTS OF HOPE FANTASYING MURDER OF GOP LEGISLATOR

Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican, left, is running against Democrat Abigail Spanberger, right, in the state’s gubernatorial race in November. (Getty Images)

Spanberger has repeatedly emphasized that she condemned the rhetoric as soon as she became aware of it and would denounce violent rhetoric at every opportunity.

Meanwhile, Spanberger accused Earle-Sears of condemning violent rhetoric only when it targets her political party, but not when it targets her opponent’s. She cited an example from Kirk’s memorial service last month, during which Trump reportedly said: “I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for him.” »

“It’s important that candidates always denounce violence, regardless of side of the aisle. … We must always be focused and forceful in our denouncing,” Spanberger said as she was peppered with questions about whether she would denounce Jones. “My opponent unfortunately only denounces violence when his side is the target.”

Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, center, during a campaign event at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department in Vienna, Virginia, July 1, 2025. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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In response to the accusations, Earle-Sears did not condemn the president’s comments, but said it was something she would not say herself.

“As I said before, I wouldn’t say that,” Earle-Sears said of Trump’s comments.

Charles Creitz of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.