By Eva McKend, CNN(CNN) — Virginia’s Democratic candidate for attorney general Jay Jones is facing widespread criticism for text messages he sent in 2022 suggesting a colleague should be shot. He went on to say in the text messages that Gilbert and his wife are “breeding little fascists” in reference to Gilbert’s children, the Review reported. In a statement to CNN, Jones apologized to Gilbert and voiced regret for the text messages. Coyner condemned Jones’ messages in a statement to CNN on Saturday. Polling indicated a tight race before the text messages surfaced.