Virginia’s 2025 race for Attorney General is turning into a high-stakes showdown, and Jay Jones is at the center of the storm. The former state delegate and Democratic nominee is making headlines for his bold stances on civil rights, LGBTQ+ protections, and his promise to reshape the state’s top law enforcement office.
A New Face for Virginia’s Legal Leadership
Jay Jones, who served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2018 to 2022, is now the Democratic nominee for Attorney General. He’s running against incumbent Jason Miyares in a contest that’s drawing national attention for its sharp contrasts on social issues and civil rights.
Jones has positioned himself as a champion for
LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and voting access. He’s pledged to create a dedicated Civil Rights Division within the Attorney General’s office, promising,
“I’ll make protecting civil rights a true priority… This unit will ensure that no Virginian is discriminated against, and that no entity — including the federal government — is able to take away their constitutional rights and liberties.”Standing Up to Anti-Trans Policies
The campaign has become a flashpoint in Virginia’s ongoing debate over LGBTQ+ rights. While his Republican opponent has taken a hardline stance against transgender rights and same-sex marriage protections, Jones has consistently advocated for local control and inclusion.
When asked about the Youngkin administration’s controversial anti-trans policies, Jones told the Virginia Mercury,
“I believe these are decisions that should be decided locally, and that neither politicians in Richmond nor Washington should be telling local communities and parents what to do.”His legislative record backs up his rhetoric. Jones co-sponsored bills to:
- Prohibit denial of insurance coverage based on gender identity
- Ban LGBTQ+ discrimination
- Repeal Virginia’s statutory same-sex marriage ban
- Ban “conversion therapy” for minors
- Require transgender-inclusive policies in schools
He’s also been vocal on social media, recently celebrating his attendance at Equality Prince William Pride with the message:
“Equal protection under the law doesn’t change because of who you love.”The Stakes: Civil Rights and Virginia’s Future
Jones’s campaign is not just about policy—it’s about the direction of Virginia’s justice system. He’s promised to take “aggressive action” on behalf of Virginians’ basic rights, directly challenging what he calls the “dangerous agenda” of Donald Trump and his allies.
His campaign website frames the race as a battle for the soul of the state:
“Jay Jones is running for Attorney General to fight for Virginia families and stand up to Donald Trump’s dangerous agenda.”What This Means for Voters
With the election just months away, the contrast between Jones and Miyares couldn’t be clearer. Voters are being asked to choose between two starkly different visions for Virginia’s future—one focused on expanding civil rights and local control, the other on rolling back protections and centralizing authority.
For those watching Virginia as a bellwether for national trends, this race is a microcosm of America’s broader political and cultural battles. Jay Jones’s campaign is a test of whether progressive values can win in a state still deeply divided on social issues.
Takeaways and What’s Next
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Jay Jones is making civil rights and LGBTQ+ protections the centerpiece of his campaign.-
The Attorney General race is a referendum on Virginia’s direction on social issues.-
Voters will decide whether the state doubles down on conservative policies or charts a new, more inclusive path.As Election Day approaches, expect the rhetoric—and the stakes—to only get higher.
Sources
1. Press Releases Archives - Jay Jones
2. Election 2025: Virginia Gubernatorial, Lt. Governor, and Attorney ...
3. Jay Jones - Fighting for Virginia Families
4. National Review: Conservative News, Opinion, Politics, Current Events
