Former Delegate Jay Jones emerged victorious in Virginia’s Democratic primary for attorney general, positioning himself as a key legal opponent to President Donald Trump’s policies within the state. Jones will face off against incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares in the November general election — a crucial contest for Democrats as they finalize their statewide ticket in a closely watched election year.
Meanwhile, Democrats also held a tightly contested primary for lieutenant governor. State Senator Ghazala Hashmi was leading former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney on Tuesday night and claimed victory, though official results were not yet confirmed due to the race’s closeness.
This November promises to be historic, with Virginia likely to elect its first female governor in more than two centuries. Democrat Abigail Spanberger, who faced no opposition in her party’s primary, will compete against Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, the sole GOP candidate to qualify for the ballot.
Virginia is one of only two states — along with New Jersey — that conduct statewide elections the year after a presidential election. As such, these races often reflect public sentiment toward the sitting president and party in power ahead of midterm congressional elections.
Political analysts will be watching closely to gauge how voters feel now that Trump is back in the White House and Republicans are in control in Washington. In recent years, Democrats’ dominance in Virginia has waned, returning the state closer to swing-state status. Notably, Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin defeated Democrat Terry McAuliffe in 2021.
That said, historical patterns may favor Democrats this year. Typically, the party controlling the presidency loses ground in Virginia’s statewide elections. Given that Trump has never carried the state in a presidential election, Democrats may be well-positioned if their ticket comes together strongly.
Jones Overcomes Prosecutorial Criticism to Secure Nomination
Despite being portrayed by his opponent as inexperienced in criminal prosecution, Jay Jones clinched the Democratic nomination for attorney general. A former Norfolk delegate, Jones carries a strong political legacy — his father also served as a state delegate, and his grandfather was the first Black member of the Norfolk School Board.
Jones had previously run for attorney general in 2021 but lost to incumbent Democrat Mark Herring in the primary. This time, he defeated Shannon Taylor, a seasoned prosecutor who’s served over a decade as Richmond’s top prosecutor since flipping the office in 2011.
Jones campaigned on his experience as an assistant attorney general in Washington, where he handled consumer protection cases. He has pledged to stand firm in court against Trump’s administration if elected.
“I am ready for this fight and to win this November,” Jones stated after his win.
Six Democrats Compete for Lieutenant Governor Slot
The Democratic primary for lieutenant governor featured six candidates, most of whom share similar stances on major issues like abortion rights, affordable housing, healthcare access, and criticism of Trump. The differences among them largely stem from regional representation.
Stoney emphasized his ties to the Democratic establishment, having worked with former Governors Mark Warner and Terry McAuliffe. Hashmi, representing a Richmond-area district, built her campaign around reproductive rights and secured endorsements from abortion rights groups.
Other contenders included Virginia Beach Senator Aaron Rouse, who focused on his legislative achievements, and northern Virginia candidates like Prince William County School Board Chair Babur Lateef, former federal prosecutor Victor Salgado, and retired labor official Alex Bastani.
Republican Ticket Faces Internal Divides
On the Republican side, only one candidate from each statewide race advanced to the general election ballot. Earle-Sears secured the gubernatorial nomination after her challengers, Dave LaRock and Amanda Chase, failed to gather enough signatures. Both had earlier questioned Earle-Sears’ alignment with Trump.
Conservative radio host John Reid became the nominee for lieutenant governor after his opponent exited the race. Reid’s campaign faced some controversy regarding his alleged connection to a social media account that shared explicit content.
For attorney general, Miyares easily secured renomination. Responding to Jones’ win, he said, “My opponent’s ideological record makes Virginia families less safe and our streets more violent.”
Key Downballot Races Also in Focus
All 100 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates will be on the ballot this November, with several competitive matchups already taking shape.
In the Richmond area, Democrat May Nivar won her primary and will face Republican Delegate David Owen in a closely contested district. In the Petersburg region, Democrat Lindsey Dougherty will challenge Republican incumbent Carrie Coyner.
In Chesapeake, a seat opened up following Republican Delegate Baxter Ennis’ retirement. Voters selected Republican Michael Lamonea and Democrat Karen Carnegie as nominees for the November election.
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