The Virginia Police Benevolent Association called on Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones to “decline to take office” if he wins the election in November. VPBA endorsed a split ticket for the statewide elections, backing Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger, Republican lieutenant governor nominee John Reid, and Jones’ opponent, Attorney General Jason Miyares.
“Leaders cannot serve effectively when their own conduct has undermined their credibility,” VPBA said in a statement Wednesday.
The statement from VPBA comes in response to several news stories about Jones texting Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, in 2022 that he would shoot the Republican Speaker of the House over Hitler and Pol Pot. Jones also texted that if the speaker’s wife had to experience her children dying, then maybe the speaker would consider a change in gun policy.
Additionally, Virginia Scope reported Monday that Coyner alleged Jones told her in a 2020 phone call that if a few police officers died, then maybe they would stop killing people.
“The people of Virginia deserve honesty, accountability, and leaders who demonstrate integrity,” VPBA wrote in its statement Wednesday. “This episode underscores the importance of transparency in elections and the need for every voter to carefully examine not only the promises made by candidates but also their proven judgment and character.”
VPBA announced its split ticket endorsements in August.
“They endorsed who they thought would do the better job for the members,” said Rich Goszka, the Virginia staff representative for Southern States Police Benevolent Association, which is the parent organization for VPBA.
Neither the Spanberger campaign nor Jones campaign responded to a request for comment in this story.