Vindman Backs Democrats as Jay Jones Texts Ignite Outrage
- Rep. Eugene Vindman publicly backed the Democratic ticket amid harassment-text revelations.
- Conservative voters and local Republicans slammed Jay Jones and those defending him.
- Local Democratic candidates doubled down despite growing backlash and calls to step aside.
Rep. Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman, twin brother of Trump impeachment figure Alexander Vindman, used X to urge Virginians to elect Democrats days after explosive texts about killing Republicans surfaced. He framed the post as a call to reject “Republican chaos” and to vote for the statewide Democratic ticket. The message touched off predictable outrage from conservatives and independents worried about violent rhetoric and political double standards.
Vindman urged voters to “make a plan to vote — early if you can,” and named Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi and Jay Jones by handle, insisting “Your voice couldn’t be more important this year.” Critics immediately ratioed the post and attacked Vindman for promoting a ticket centered on a candidate who had sent threatening texts. For many voters, support for Jones has become a litmus test for whether mainstream Democrats will condemn or excuse violent fantasies.
Republicans highlighted the texts that showed Jones envisioning the murder of then-House Speaker Todd Gilbert and mocked Vindman’s call as tone-deaf. One critic wrote, “Nobody is voting for Jay ‘Two Bullet’ Jones,” while others posted memes and barbed comments that drove home GOP frustration. The volley of responses painted the Democratic defense of Jones as out of touch with voters who want civility and accountability.
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine also defended Jones, arguing the statements “were not in character” and that Jones had apologized. That defense did not satisfy many conservatives who see repeated patterns of violent, unacceptable rhetoric from at least one prominent Democratic candidate. Republicans say an apology is no substitute for stepping down when attacks threaten public safety and democratic norms.
In Pittsylvania County, Democrat Melody Cartwright doubled and tripled down on her endorsement of Jones despite social media backlash, calling him a champion of “Virginia’s rights, healthcare, and education.” Her repeated tweets—”I stand with (Jay Jones) period. End of statement.”—ignited further condemnation from local Republicans and national conservative voices. Opponents argue that defending a candidate who fantasized about killing opponents disqualifies him from public trust.
Local Republican Del. Eric Phillips said it’s “not the Virginia way” to entertain talk like Jones’ texts and called Cartwright’s defense “disturbing and disgraceful.” Phillips added, “Standing with someone who talks about shooting colleagues in the head, harming their children, and desecrating graves is indefensible.” Conservative voters see this as a fundamental test: either reject violence in politics or accept it as part of the left’s playbook.
The episode has hardened Republican messaging around law, order, and decency heading into the election, while Democrats scramble to contain fallout and defend their ticket. For many in Virginia, the story isn’t about partisan spin but about whether anyone who fantasizes about violence should be on the ballot at all.
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