Jones, Miyares are neck and neck in latest polling average following texting scandal

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R ) and his Democratic challenger Jay Jones are neck and neck in the latest Decision Desk HQ polling average following the controversy over Jones’s recently leaked text messages, in which he discusses violence against a former state Speaker. 

The updated average shows Jones and Miyares tied with 46.4 percent support.

Three other recent polls offered different visions of the race.

Jones’s campaign released a poll conducted by Hart Research showing him leading Miyares 46 percent support to 45 percent.

Another poll released by the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) that was conducted by Cygnal showed Miyares leading Jones 46 percent support to 44 percent.

And a third survey released by the Trafalgar Group, a  right-leaning firm, showed Miyares leading with 49 percent support to Jones’s 43 percent. 

The latest figures come more than a week after texts Jones sent to Virginia state Del. Carrie Coyner (R) were leaked. In the correspondence, Jones talks about the idea of inflicting violence on former state House Speaker Todd Gilbert (R). 

Jones has apologized for the text messages, while Virginia Democrats have condemned them.

Republicans have called on Jones to withdraw from the race, while Democrats have stopped short of that.

Republicans have also hit Democratic gubernatorial nominee Abigail Spanberger over Jones. During last week’s first and only gubernatorial debate, Spanberger condemned the messages and said she will leave Jones’s electoral fate up to voters. 

Jones and Miyares will come face-to-face on Thursday during a debate, where the texts are likely to be a major issue of contention.