(DCNF)—Democratic Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones once sent disturbing texts to a former colleague in August 2022 about wanting to kill a Republican lawmaker, according to National Review.
Jones, a former Virginia state delegate, told Republican House Delegate Carrie Coyner that he would give former Republican Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert “two bullets to the head” and urinate on his grave, National Review reported on Friday, citing text messages it obtained. Jones is running against Republican Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares in the November general elections and reportedly made the comments about Gilbert after leaving the state house months earlier.
“I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves … [to] send them out awash in something,” Jones reportedly wrote about Republican colleagues such as Gilbert. The now-candidate also said that if he had Gilbert and two dictators in front of him and a gun with two bullets, “Gilbert gets two bullets to the head,” according to National Review.
“Spoiler: put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know and he receives both bullets every time,” Jones told Coyner, the outlet reported.
Coyner asked Jones to “please stop,” adding, “It really bothers me when you talk about hurting people or wishing death on them … no matter who they are,” National Review reported. Jones reportedly replied with “Lol” and “Ok, ok.”
Jones’ campaign, Miyares’ office and Gilbert’s staff at the Page County Commonwealth Attorney’s office did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s requests for comment.
The candidate blamed “Trump-controlled media” for the scandal in a statement to WTVR Richmond, but did not deny the conversations.
“Like all people, I’ve sent text messages that I regret and I believe that violent rhetoric has no place in our politics. Let’s be clear about what is happening in the Attorney General race right now: Jason Miyares is dropping smears through Trump-controlled media organizations to assault my character and rescue his desperate campaign,” Jones said. “This is a strategy that ensures Jason Miyares will continue to be accountable to Donald Trump, not the people of Virginia. This race is about whether Trump can control Virginia or Virginians control Virginia.”
After the text exchange in 2022, Jones called Coyner on the phone to further explain his views and said conservative public officials like Gilbert should experience pain so that it leads to policy change, National Review reported, citing a source familiar with the call. He reportedly suggested Gilbert’s wife should watch her child die.
“Yes, I’ve told you this before,” Jones reportedly texted Coyner after she criticized what he said over the phone. “Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy.”
“On August 8, 2022 I had a text conversation with Jay Jones, what he said was not just disturbing but disqualifying for anyone who wants to seek public office,” Coyner told National Review. “Jay Jones wished violence on the children of a colleague and joked about shooting Todd Gilbert. It’s disgusting and unbecoming of any public official.”
Former Democratic Virginia Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is now her party’s nominee for Virginia governor, said she spoke with Jones after hearing the story and told him “that he must fully take responsibility for his words,” WJLA reported.
The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) also called on Jones to resign from the upcoming election in a Friday statement posted on X. “Conservatives are being executed for their beliefs, and text messages like these are part of the problem,” RAGA Executive Director Adam Piper said. “Virginia deserves far better.”
Jones previously faced criticism about his personal conduct after news broke that he served a sentence for a 2022 reckless driving incident in Virginia by logging community service hours with his own political action committee.
“Instead of taking accountability for his actions, it appears that my opponent submitted a letter to the Court stating that he performed 500 hours of ‘community service’ for his own PAC, which isn’t a charitable organization under state code, to dodge potential jail time,” Miyares said in a Wednesday X post. “This raises serious, troubling questions about Jay Jones’ judgment, his ability to uphold the law, and, ultimately, his qualifications for Attorney General.”
Jones previously lost the Democratic Virginia primary for attorney general in 2021 but won the 2025 primary in June.
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Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.