Jay Jones will become Virginia’s next attorney general, CNN projects, overcoming disclosure of violent text messages

(CNN) — Democrat Jay Jones will win the race to become Virginia’s next attorney general, CNN’s Decision Desk projects, overcoming the disclosure of text messages in which he suggested a former legislative colleague should be shot.

Jones will unseat Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, who was seeking reelection and sharply criticized Jones for sending the text messages. Jones frequently apologized after the National Review disclosed the texts and prominent Virginia Democrats declined to withdraw their endorsements even as they criticized what he had said.

His victory suggests enough voters were willing to tolerate the texts – or were unaware of the story – in elevating a candidate they believe will fight on behalf of their interests.

In a private exchange between Jones and Repu