In Richmond, Virginia, a political showdown is unfolding as two Democratic candidates vie for their party’s nomination for attorney general—a contest overshadowed by the figure of President Donald Trump. Both candidates, Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor, have consistently mentioned Trump more than their direct opponent, in a bid to rally their core supporters as they head into the primaries. This primary election is significant as it also determines Democratic nominees for lieutenant governor and several contested seats in the House of Delegates.
Virginia and New Jersey are the only two states electing governors this November, making the political climate in these regions a preliminary indicator of what might transpire in next year’s national midterm elections. Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Republican Winsome Earle-Sears have been automatically selected as their party’s nominees for governor, having run unopposed. But the other races, for attorney general and lieutenant governor, are battlegrounds where Democrats have been actively using anti-Trump messaging and sharp ads to engage voters.
Republicans are not holding statewide primaries this year, which means Democrats will solely decide the lieutenant governor nominee—a position often viewed as a stepping stone to higher office despite its part-time status and $36,000 annual salary. Six Democratic candidates have been aggressively advertising to emphasize their readiness to counter Trump if elected.
In the attorney general race, Jones and Taylor are similarly focused on energizing their base, taking advantage of what is likely to be low voter turnout. The strategic pivot towards anti-Trump rhetoric is indicative of the wider Democratic playbook, aiming to draw a stark contrast with incumbent Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares. Jones and Taylor have been particularly vocal about Miyares’ refusal to litigate against Trump, contrasting his stance with that of more progressive attorney generals nationwide who have challenged the administration on issues like birthright citizenship and election integrity.
Jay Jones, rallying in Falls Church, Virginia, expressed confusion over Miyares’ reluctance to challenge the White House’s policies. Shannon Taylor echoed similar ideas, warning voters of the harm Miyares could enable by supporting Trump’s agenda. The argument from both candidates is clear: a Democratic attorney general would put up a robust legal fight against the White House policies they view as detrimental to Virginians.
On the other side, Miyares, who self-identifies as a “balls-and-strikes” Republican, highlights his tenure’s focus on combating violent crime and seeking legal settlements from large pharmaceutical companies. A Virginia Beach state delegate turned attorney general, he emphasizes his legal battles against what he sees as federal overreach by President Joe Biden’s administration. Yet, as Trump embarks on a second term, Miyares finds himself in a changing political landscape with Virginia voters choosing their attorney general nearly a year after national presidential elections.
Miyares engages robustly with progressive prosecutors across Virginia on social media, particularly critiquing their perceived leniency in criminal prosecutions. However, he downplays the significance of suing Trump, arguing that his Democratic challengers misunderstand the core responsibilities of the attorney general’s office. He underscores his commitment to public safety through initiatives like supporting crime victims, bolstering law enforcement, and managing child support prosecutions. Holding up his law enforcement badge as a symbol of his office, Miyares emphasizes his priority on safety rather than political battles with Trump.
“In contrast to my Democratic counterparts’ fixation on Donald Trump, my priority remains the safety of Virginia’s citizens,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to his role as a people’s prosecutor.