In Virginia politics, we often say that the Attorney General’s Office is where law and politics collide. It determines whether our justice system will serve all Virginians equally — or become a politicized weapon of a partisan actor. As Black Virginians and Democrats approach this critical election, one truth must be clear: We cannot afford to leave our attorney general candidate behind. We have to rescue Jay Jones by voting for him. 

Phillip ThompsonFor decades, the Attorney General’s Office has been known as the people’s lawyer — defending state agencies, enforcing consumer protection laws and safeguarding Virginians’ civil rights. In recent years, that mission has been clouded by partisanship. Instead of serving justice, the office has too often served political ambition. Virginia deserves an attorney general who restores professionalism and purpose — one focused on protecting citizens, not posturing for cameras. That person is Jay Jones. 

This election is about more than one man. This election is about how Virginia will be governed in the next four years. If Abigail Spanberger wins the governorship — and Democrats reclaim the House of Delegates — her ability to deliver on issues like reproductive freedom, environmental protection and voting rights will depend on who occupies the Attorney General’s Office. Every major initiative to change Virginia will face legal challenges. The question is whether those challenges will be met by an attorney general who believes in government working for people or one who uses the courts to block progress. Jay Jones will defend the law and the governor’s agenda on behalf of the citizens who voted for it. He will be a partner in governance, not an obstacle to it. 

Jay Jones’ background is a testament to what public service looks like when grounded in family, community and principle. The son of former Del. Jerrauld Jones and grandson of a pioneering Norfolk judge, he comes from a lineage that believes deeply in fairness and civic duty. He could have chosen the private sector and made a fortune. Instead, he chose public service. As a member of the House, Jay Jones fought for criminal justice reform, affordable health care and environmental protection. He listened to working families, stood with law enforcement reformers and supported programs that help returning citizens rebuild their lives. Jay Jones understands that justice is not an abstract idea — it’s about how government touches everyday people. His career has shown that he has both the compassion and the courage to make the law serve everyone. 

Let’s address the controversy directly. Jay Jones’ 2022 text message comments were wrong and completely out of character as anyone who has met Jay Jones, including the Republicans he served with in the General Assembly. Judging by his record, they seemed to have come out of left field — and he owes those affected and the people of Virginia a sincere apology. 

Words do matter. Perfection is a goal, not a requirement for seeking public office. But demanding accountability should not be a political weapon. The rush by some Democrats to distance themselves from Jay Jones raises uncomfortable questions about equity and how Black politicians are treated by the Democratic Party. We have seen it before, and it needs to be addressed. Mistakes by white politicians are quickly forgiven while Black candidates are sometimes not seemingly afforded the same grace. Abandoning Jay Jones on the campaign trail sends the wrong message to many Black voters. 

Equally questionable is the outrage from some Republicans, especially their 2025 political candidates’ rings hollow when weighed against their silence on the January 6th insurrection and the pardoning of those insurrectionists. January 6th was not a text message; it was an attack on our democracy and that insurrection cost actual lives. Jay Jones was wrong — but his critics’ opportunism says more about them than it does about him. 

The bottom line is that the Attorney General’s Office must once again become a place of justice, not politics. Jay Jones will return that office to its statutorily defined role in the Commonwealth instead of turning it into a partisan political operation. He will make the office a true pillar of justice, prioritize fair sentencing and rehabilitation over political posturing, and safeguard reproductive rights and voting access instead of taking rights away from Virginians. We see enough division in Washington. It’s time for Richmond to do better. 

Anyone who thinks my comments come from partisan zeal need only ask former Attorney General Mark Herring about me. He will tell you that I was one of his toughest critics on issues of civil rights and justice. My position has been consistent — both parties have fallen short of providing equal protection and opportunity for all Virginians. The statistics that highlight the difference between being Black and white in Virginia are stark and real. But my case for Jay Jones is built on principle and pragmatism. Politics needs to be removed from issues of justice. 

Black Virginians and every community that makes up the Democratic coalition want leaders who will protect the legal and the policy foundations they care about. If we want an attorney general who will defend the Virginia Constitution, uphold justice and work alongside a Democratic governor and a Democratic-led General Assembly to move Virginia forward, Jay Jones is the choice. WE cannot afford to leave him behind. WE have to rescue Jay. 

The writer is an attorney and former president of the Loudoun County branch of the NAACP.