Former Norfolk Del. Jay Jones files paperwork to run for Virginia attorney general

Jay Jones, a former Norfolk delegate, filed paperwork to run for attorney general in 2025.

The Democrat submitted a statement of organization with the Virginia Department of Elections. Any individual seeking public office in Virginia must file a statement of organization within 10 days of accepting or spending campaign funds or appointing a campaign treasurer. The paperwork states that a treasurer was appointed Aug. 28.

Surrounded Monday by campaigning Democrats at U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott’s annual Labor Day cookout , including Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff, Jones declined to comment on his campaign.

“Jay remains solely focused on the critical elections in November, which is why he is in Newport News today campaigning for the Harris-Walz ticket,” Chief of Staff Lesley Stewart wrote in a Monday email. “Any formal announcement will come after those elections have concluded.”

Jones, an attorney, lost the Democratic primary for attorney general in 2021 to two-term incumbent Mark Herring, who was defeated in the general election by Republican Jason Miyares. The former Virginia Beach delegate has not announced whether he intends to seek reelection.

Jones served in the House of Delegates from 2018-21. He won reelection in November 2021, but announced his resignation a month later, explaining he and his wife were expecting their first child. He said at the time that he planned to return to politics.

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“Let me be clear, our work is not done and I intend to serve the people of Virginia for years to come,” Jones said then. “And that work may well mean a run for attorney general in 2025.”

Jones will face against at least one other Democrat. Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor announced in June she is seeking the office. Taylor has raised $293,325 as of June 30, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, a nonpartisan organization that tracks campaign funds.

Jones’ family has a history of public service. His father, Jerrauld Corey Jones, held the same Norfolk House seat from 1988 to 2002. His grandfather, Hilary H. Jones Jr., was the first African American appointed to the Norfolk School Board and the Virginia Board of Education.

Reporter Trevor Metcalfe contributed to this report.

Katie King, katie.king@virginiamedia.com