Attorney General-elect Jay Jones announced leadership for his Defend Virginia PAC. Jake Rubenstein, a longtime Democratic operative in Virginia, will serve as executive director, and Ben Celestino will serve as finance director.
“Jake Rubenstein brings deep experience, relentless energy, and a clear understanding of the gravity of the work ahead of us,” Jones said. “He has served at every level of Virginia politics and government, and he knows the importance of the Attorney General’s office in defending rights and strengthening economic security.”
Rubenstein is a longtime adviser to former Gov. Terry McAuliffe and most recently served as the senior adviser on Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s gubernatorial campaign. He previously worked as the Virginia state director for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and a senior adviser at the U.S. State Department. His experience in Virginia also includes roles with the Democratic Party of Virginia, the Office of the Speaker of the House of Delegates and the Office of the attorney general.
Celestino most recently served as finance director for Jones’ campaign for attorney general, raising over $ 16 million. Previously, he served on the finance teams for United States Senator Tim Kaine and former state Sen. Monty Mason.
“Celestino has been a trusted senior member of my campaign and inauguration teams,” Jones said. ”I have been fortunate to witness Ben’s tremendous talent firsthand and I am grateful that he is joining me as we embark on this next historic chapter.”
The Defend Virginia political action committee was established to “defend the Commonwealth from federal overreach, safeguard Virginians’ fundamental freedoms, and promote economic security for families across Virginia,” according to the announcement from Jones.
Jones will be sworn into office Saturday, alongside Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger and Lt. Gov.-elect Ghazala Hashmi.