Led by two accomplished and capable women, the Democratic Party of Virginia secured a political trifecta this week, winning the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. We applaud Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov.- elect Ghazala Hashmi for running well-organized campaigns. It’s been over a century — since 1921 — that a major party in Virginia ran a statewide ticket without a white male, and we’re glad this team came out on top. Perhaps the Democrats have cracked the code on building a durable, multiracial, cross-regional coalition in a state that is decidedly shifting blue. 

We applaud Spanberger for taking the high road and not responding to her opponent’s insinuations and provocations with the same negative energy. She remained focused on policy substance rather than personal attacks, demonstrating the kind of disciplined leadership our state needs. It takes resolve and strength to serve in a position of power, and she displayed both on the campaign trail. 

Hashmi faced an opponent that was accused of crass behavior, tied to a raunchy blog where people with usernames that are printable shared explicit images. John Reid denied the blog was his, but we can understand why Hashmi didn’t consider him “credible” and refused to debate him. After she refused his requests to debate, Reid staged a video “debate” using an authorized image of Hashmi with AI-generated responses drawn from her past statements — raising new ethical questions about the former radio talk show host. 

And then there’s Jay Jones. Let’s be honest — among voters, there’s probably a fair share who are less thrilled about seeing the former delegate take office than they are about watching Jason Miyares pack up his. Jones’ decision to vent his political frustrations in what he thought were private texts in 2022 was a clear lapse in judgment. Fortunately, only Jones will have to live with the consequences of his mistake, not the people of Virginia, saddled with a regressive politician as attorney general for the next four years. 

Jones, to be fair, is hardly the first person to put something in writing he later regretted. I might have done that a time or two myself. We’re not alone. Historians note that Abraham Lincoln was famous for his “hot letters,” the sharply worded notes he wrote to those who disappointed him but never sent. Several were found tucked away in his papers, marked “Never signed. Never sent.” The old saying — “Write a mean letter and then throw it away”— is often traced back to Lincoln’s example. The message is simple: Blow off steam, but give yourself time to cool off before you hit “send.” 

 We hope this serves as a learning experience for Jones. Having grown up in proximity to power and privilege — his father, Jerrauld C. Jones, served as a state delegate and later as a circuit court judge, and his grandfather was a civil rights attorney — he should understand that such a legacy carries a higher expectation of judgment, discipline and respect for others. He should take this moment to reflect, rebuild trust and recommit to the ideals his family stood for. There’s still room for redemption — and for growth that could make him a stronger, wiser public servant in the years ahead.