Virginia’s Attorney General Race: Contrasting Visions for Justice, Safety, and Rights

By: Saahiti Kiran Chamala, Mason Votes Managing Editor

As Virginians prepare to elect their next attorney general, both Jay Jones and Jason Miyares are outlining priorities that reflect differing approaches to law enforcement, justice, and public policy.

The Attorney General serves as the Commonwealth’s chief legal officer — responsible for defending state laws, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring public safety.

Jay Jones’ Campaign Vision

Jay Jones, a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and Assistant Attorney General, is focusing his campaign on civil rights protection, reproductive healthcare access, and economic fairness.

Jones, who previously served on the Virginia Planned Parenthood board, says he would work to preserve reproductive rights in Virginia and establish a reproductive rights hotline to help residents understand their legal protections.

He also plans to create a Civil Rights Division and a Voter Protection Unit within the Attorney General’s Office to address issues such as discrimination, voter intimidation, and access to polling places.

Public safety is another major theme of his campaign. Jones emphasizes collaboration with law enforcement while expanding programs that address mental health, addiction, and community violence prevention. His plans include supporting specialty courts that focus on rehabilitation and expanding regional offices to better connect with local communities.

On the economic front, Jones has proposed stronger consumer protection measures, such as holding large corporations accountable for price increases or environmental violations. He also supports measures to ensure fair housing practices, target predatory lending, and foster innovation in emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence while safeguarding consumer privacy.

• To learn more about Jones’ campaign platform and initiatives, visit jayjones.com

Jason Miyares’ Campaign Vision

Attorney General Jason Miyares, who is seeking re-election, highlights his record on public safety, addiction recovery, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Since taking office, Miyares has overseen opioid settlement agreements totaling over $1 billion with companies including Johnson & Johnson, CVS, and Walgreens. The funds are being distributed through the Opioid Abatement Authority to support local programs for treatment, recovery, and prevention.

Miyares has also focused on crime reduction and victims’ rights, emphasizing support for survivors of domestic and violent crimes. He advocates for what he calls a “victim-first” approach and partnerships between his office, local law enforcement, and community organizations.

His campaign also addresses youth safety and mental health, including concerns over social media’s impact on children and accountability for institutions that fail to protect students.

On national issues, Miyares has spoken about border security and the connection between drug trafficking and fentanyl distribution, expressing support for coordinated state and federal efforts to combat the crisis.

• To learn more about Miyares’ campaign platform and initiatives, visit jasonmiyares.com

Both candidates claim to defend Virginians—but they differ deeply on how to do so. As Election Day approaches, voters will decide which vision they believe will best serve the Commonwealth’s safety, rights, and prosperity.

Virginia voters can cast their ballots early in person, by mail, or on Election Day. Early voting runs through Saturday, November 1, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Registered voters can visit their local registrar’s office or any designated early voting location in their county or city. Voters must bring an accepted form of ID, such as a Virginia driver’s license, passport, or student ID from an accredited Virginia college or university.

Your voice matters—every election shapes the policies and priorities of our Commonwealth. Make a plan to vote and help shape Virginia’s future!

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Jay Jones Photo Credit: https://www.jayjones.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/homepage-1024×576.jpg, cropped.

Jason Miyares Photo Credit: https://www.oag.state.va.us/our-office/about-the-attorney-general, cropped.