Overview
- Republican candidates and groups spent just over $2 million on Oct. 8–14 broadcast and digital ads that mentioned Jay Jones, accounting for nearly two-thirds of their statewide ad spend in that period, according to AdImpact data reported by NBC News.
- Nearly 90% of GOP spending in the governor’s race last week referenced the Jones scandal, and Winsome Earle-Sears rolled out a seven-figure spot using Abigail Spanberger’s debate silence about her endorsement.
- A new digital ad from Attorney General Jason Miyares nods to potential ticket-splitting, highlighting Spanberger’s remark that voters should make their own decision about Jones.
- Spanberger has denounced Jones’s 2022 violent texts but has not called on him to withdraw, and her campaign store still lists “Spanberger-Hashmi-Jones” merchandise, according to recent reports.
- Jones has apologized as prominent Democrats, including Sen. Tim Kaine, labeled his messages indefensible yet stopped short of urging him to exit; early voting is underway and the lone attorney general debate is scheduled for Thursday.