NORFOLK, Va. — Governor Ralph Northam is putting his weight behind Norfolk Delegate and Attorney General candidate Jay Jones in the upcoming state elections.
Northam formally endorsed Jones for attorney general, according to Jones' campaign Thursday morning.
“We [Gov. Northam and Del. Jones] chat and as you’re running a campaign, you’re looking at people both elected and not elected to support you. I asked him if he was willing to do so and I'm excited he said yes," Jones told 13News Now in an interview Thursday.
Jones is a representative in the House of Delegates who serves the 89th District, which consists of parts of Norfolk.
The governor pointed to Jones' steadfast efforts to reform criminal justice in the commonwealth. He released the following statement:
“We have made lasting progressive change over the last four years from Medicaid Expansion to abolishing the death penalty to criminal justice reform, but it is time for a new generation of leaders to take the reins. Jay Jones has stood with me every step of the way in our journey to make Virginia a more just and equitable place to live. He has been my partner as we have worked to change our Commonwealth. He also understands the deep scars of racism and will represent the diversity of our Commonwealth. That is why I’m honored to endorse him in his race for Attorney General.
As a state delegate, Jay has led from the front in fighting for long overdue justice reform, prioritizing our consumers, and protecting our environment. As the son and grandson of Civil Rights leaders, and a descendant of enslaved Americans, Jay knows firsthand the kind of leadership it takes to bring about the change we seek across this Commonwealth, and I look forward to having him as our next Attorney General.”
Jones began serving in the Virginia House of Delegates after winning election in 2017. Since then, he's served on several committees, including General Laws, Finance, House Appropriations, Transportation, and Counties, Cities and Towns.
Jones' roots run deep in Hampton Roads, as a descendant of enslaved Virginians on both sides of his family.
“I often think about what my ancestors would think about me, given the opportunity to become the first Black attorney general in this state's history given our challenging history with race and racial relations," Jones said.
Jones' campaign website lists him as a proponent of expanding Medicaid, increasing the minimum wage, and establishing urban anti-poverty initiatives. He works on a youth commission and the board for criminal justice services.
He's up against incumbent Mark Herring, who is running again to maintain his position. Both are vying for the Democratic nomination. Herring is a former state senator who won his first election to become attorney general in 2013. He was re-elected in 2017.
In a statement sent to 13News Now, Herring's campaign said:
"A contested primary is the sign of a healthy Democratic Party of Virginia -- and points to how we’ve been able to demonstrate the power of the office of Attorney General to make a difference for the people."
If Jones is elected, he would be the first Black attorney general in Virginia.