Steve Cortes, president of the League of American Workers, has expressed support for the re-election of Attorney General Jason Miyares. This endorsement follows reports that Democratic nominee Jay Jones allegedly sent violent messages regarding former Speaker Todd Gilbert. The statement was made on the social media platform X.
“Wow,” said Cortes. “Re-elect a super solid, principled, law-and-order AG for Virginia. Jason Miyares has served with integrity and courage. Virginia needs leadership that defends the rule of law.”
According to National Review, Jay Jones, the Democratic Attorney General nominee, sent private text messages in which he “fantasized” about shooting former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert. In these messages, Jones reportedly said that if faced with a choice between Adolf Hitler, Pol Pot, or Gilbert, he would shoot Gilbert twice “every time.” Additionally, Jones texted that he would attend the funerals of Republican colleagues “to piss on their graves.” These revelations have sparked outrage among lawmakers and public figures throughout Virginia.
GOP Delegate Carrie Coyner, who reportedly received these messages, told National Review that such comments are “not just disturbing but disqualifying for anyone who wants to seek public office.” Coyner’s condemnation highlights bipartisan concerns over political rhetoric escalating into violent language. Her remarks emphasize the necessity of maintaining ethical and professional standards among candidates seeking high office in the Commonwealth.
As reported by Breitbart, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger recently urged supporters at two campaign stops to “Let your rage fuel you.” This comment attracted criticism from observers who viewed it as indicative of the Democratic Party’s increasing embrace of “rage politics.” Analysts caution that such statements, when combined with violent rhetoric from party figures, risk normalizing hostility and undermining Virginia’s civic discourse.
In an op-ed for The Hill, legal scholar Jonathan Turley analyzed Spanberger’s statement as an example of “rage politics,” a phenomenon he warned could be “contagious” and potentially lead to violence. Turley argued that while such rhetoric may be emotionally mobilizing, it corrodes democratic norms and invites extremism. His analysis adds a scholarly perspective to growing concerns about the tone of modern political discourse.
Steve Cortes is also Founder and President of League of American Workers and serves as a senior political advisor to CatholicVote. He is a former senior advisor to President Trump and JD Vance and has been a commentator for Fox News and CNN. Cortes regularly releases documentaries and columns at cortesinvestigates.com.
