Leading Senator caught in a controversy that’s causing chaos on Capitol Hill

The world of politics can be a crazy place to be. That’s especially true of the U.S. Senate.

And a leading Senator was caught in a controversy that’s causing chaos on Capitol Hill.

The Democratic Party’s hypocrisy is laid bare once again, and it’s a gut punch to anyone who values integrity in politics. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine is standing by Jay Jones, the Democratic nominee for state attorney general, despite Jones’ 2022 text messages that called for the assassination of then-state House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R).

Jones didn’t stop there—he fantasized about forcing Gilbert and his wife to watch their child die to change his views on politics.

CNN’s Manu Raju tracked down Kaine on Tuesday, hammering him with questions about whether he’d ditch his endorsement after these grotesque texts surfaced. Raju asked him: “Senator, do you still support Jay Jones? Do you think he should drop out of this race after those comments? Do you have concerns about what you saw?”

Kaine tried to slip away, looking like a man caught in a storm without an umbrella. But he finally stopped, faced Raju, and spun a tale only a career politician could muster.

“The comments are completely indefensible,” Kaine said. “But I’ve known Jay Jones for 25 years, and those comments are very much out of character for him. So if I put the comments, which are clearly beyond the pale, against knowing this guy for 25 years, I’m still supporting Jay Jones.”

And with that, Kaine turned and walked off, joining the long list of Democrats who’ll condemn violent rhetoric in one breath and endorse its source in the next. It’s loyalty to the party over loyalty to principle—every single time.

WATCH:

Democrat Virginia Senator Tim Kaine STILL backs Jay Jones, who fantasized about killing a Republican official and his children, and also supports killing cops.

KAINE: “I'm still supporting Jay Jones.” pic.twitter.com/3EXIFaGDXa

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 7, 2025

Let’s not mince words: Jones’ texts are beyond disgusting. Advocating for the m*rder of a political rival and fantasizing about torturing their family isn’t a mistake or a lapse in judgment.

It’s the kind of thing that should bar you from public office. This isn’t about a heated moment; it’s about a nominee for attorney general—a position meant to uphold justice—showing a complete disregard for human decency. And Kaine’s response? A shrug and a nod to their 25-year friendship.

This is the Democrats’ playbook: cry foul when conservatives say something edgy, but when their own cross every line, it’s just “out of character.” If a Republican had sent those texts, Kaine would be leading the charge for their head on a platter.

But because Jones is a Democrat, it’s all good—nothing to see here. This double standard is why Americans are fed up with the political elite. Kaine’s not just failing Jones; he’s failing every Virginian who expects leaders to have a spine.

And let’s not forget Kaine’s track record. This is the same guy who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Hillary Clinton in 2016 after she called half of America a “basket of deplorables.” Kaine didn’t blink at her writing off millions of hardworking folks as worthless bigots.

Now he’s standing by a guy who dreams up m*rder plots. It’s almost like Kaine’s got a soft spot for people who trash anyone who disagrees with them. Loyalty to the Democratic machine clearly outweighs any sense of right and wrong.

Jones’ texts aren’t just a personal scandal—they’re a symptom of a deeper rot in the Democratic Party. This is a party that preaches unity and tolerance while shielding candidates who glorify violence. They’ll lecture you about hate speech on Monday and defend a guy like Jones on Tuesday. It’s not about values; it’s about protecting their own. Kaine’s endorsement of Jones isn’t just a bad call—it’s a betrayal of the trust Americans place in their leaders.

Jones should’ve been gone the moment those texts hit the light of day, but Kaine’s too busy playing the loyal soldier to care. This isn’t leadership; it’s cowardice. It’s the kind of weak-kneed politics that’s tearing the country apart.

Kaine’s loyalty to Jones over principle sends a loud message: the Democratic Party comes first, always.

Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.