NORFOLK, Virginia — In a defiant comeback to the political arena, Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for Virginia attorney general, joined forces with top Democratic leaders at a major rally this Saturday, just days before the crucial statewide elections.

Despite recent controversies surrounding years-old violent text messages, Jones took the stage at the Chartway Arena, receiving a surprisingly warm welcome from the crowd. The event, which also featured former President Barack Obama, was primarily in support of Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic candidate for governor.

Jones, undeterred by the scandal, chose to direct his speech against his Republican opponent, Jason Miyares, portraying him as a lackey of President Donald Trump. "Trump has endorsed Jason... He said ‘Jason will never let us down,’ and what that means is that he'll never let Donald Trump down," Jones stated, eliciting a chorus of boos from the audience at the mention of the current president.

He accused Miyares of facilitating policies detrimental to Virginians, including those affecting local economies and the Port of Virginia. "He is a willing enabler of a president who illegally fires workers and levies tariffs that destroy our regional economies," Jones charged.

Despite the backlash from Republicans and even some distancing by fellow Democrats, including Spanberger, over his controversial text messages fantasizing about violence against a Republican House Speaker, the Democratic establishment did not call for Jones to withdraw from the race. Instead, speakers at the rally, including Democratic Rep. Bobby Scott, state Sen. Lamont Bagby, and Sen. Tim Kaine, all voiced strong support for his candidacy.

Kaine, in particular, offered a personal endorsement, recalling his long acquaintance with Jones. "I met Jay Jones when he was 11 years old. I have known him for 25 years," Kaine shared, before criticizing Trump for the federal government shutdown and the handling of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

As the elections draw near, the Democratic rally in Norfolk has set the stage for what promises to be a tightly contested battle, not just for the gubernatorial seat but also for the attorney general's office. Jones’s appearance and remarks have reinforced his resolve to continue his campaign, aiming to focus voter attention on the broader political stakes at play in Virginia.