(Leila Campbell / Fourth Estate)

Jones will become the first African American to serve as Va. Attorney General

BY RITHVIK HARI AND JOSEPH TRIOLO, STAFF WRITERS

The Associated Press has called the election for Attorney General of Virginia, making Jay Jones Attorney General-elect with 87% of the votes reported. 

Jones defeats the incumbent Republican, Attorney General Jason Miyares 52.2% to 47.4%.

Jones will become the 49th Attorney General of Virginia and the first African American to serve in that role in the Commonwealth.

He previously served as a delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 89th  district. 

“From crime and violence, corporate price gouging, and politicians with extreme agendas attacking our rights and Virginia workers … Jay knows that our democracy has always depended on people willing to fight for it,” Jones’ campaign website reads.

Jones survived an October report in which 2022 text messages leaked where he suggested in that one of his Republican colleagues be shot. 

One Mason student expressed concern over the controversy with Jones, saying he would not want someone like Jones to defend Virginia. 

As Attorney General, Jones will be in a position to combat the increase in drug crimes, gang and weapons violence in Va. 

Jones also said he would fight against the Trump administration and would, in turn, fight for Virginians.