28-04-2025
Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor compete in Virginia's Attorney General Democratic primary
Jay Jones and Shannon Taylor are competing for the Democratic nomination for attorney general. The winner of June 17 primary election will face the Republican incumbent Jason Miyares.
In Virginia, attorneys general serve four-year terms, and there are no restrictions on how many terms they can serve.
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Age: 36
Employment: Attorney, Hogan Lovells
Education: Bachelor of Arts from William and Mary; Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia
Previous elected office: Former State Delegate, HD-89 (Norfolk) 2018-2021.
Website:
What is an area where Virginia needs more robust consumer protection enforcement? How would you pursue such enforcement?
Virginians are getting squeezed at the grocery store, the gas pump, and everywhere in between—while corporations rake in record profits. As assistant attorney general in D.C., I served in the Office of Consumer Protection, taking on gun manufacturers, big banks, and housing giants to defend everyday people. As attorney general, I'll keep fighting corporate price gougers driving up costs for working families. That includes stopping monopolies like Kroger and Albertsons, whose proposed merger would raise grocery prices and hurt Virginia communities. I've fought corporate consolidation before—and I'll do it again. I'll expand the Consumer Protection Section to go after companies that break the law through collusion, predatory lending, or digital exploitation. Jason Miyares works for his corporate donors. I'll work for the people of Virginia.
In what, if any, ways do you believe the attorney general's prosecutorial authority should be expanded? Is there ever an instance when the AG's office should be able to seize control of certain criminal cases from local prosecutors?
The job of the attorney general is to protect the people of Virginia and ensure justice is served. We can best keep Virginians safe when all elements of our criminal justice system – from law enforcement to prosecutors are working collaboratively to go after violent criminals and drug dealers to protect our communities. As attorney general, I will always work to make sure the law is enforced fairly and criminals are held accountable – and that this is done in a way that focuses on facts, not politics.
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Age: 57
Employment: Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney
Education: University of Richmond Law School; Master's degree in international relations, University of Virginia.
Previous elected office: Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney (2011 – Present)
Website:
What is an area where Virginia needs more robust consumer protection enforcement? How would you pursue such enforcement?
As attorney general, I will do everything I can to protect Virginians. I have over two decades of experience as a prosecutor. I am intimately familiar with the scams and the ways they destroy innocent people. I am ready and able with in-depth expertise and experience to stop this crime. I will prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law so that they will never target Virginians again. If need be, I will go to the General Assembly to strengthen the laws. Virginia needs an attorney general with prosecutorial experience, a proven record of winning tough fights, and the track record to stand up to Trump and Elon Musk to protect our rights. As your attorney general, I will be a steadfast last line of defense for protecting Virginia's families, communities, and pocketbooks.
In what, if any, ways do you believe the attorney general's prosecutorial authority should be expanded? Is there ever an instance when the AG's office should be able to seize control of certain criminal cases from local prosecutors?
I believe our prosecutorial authority should always include proposing and advocating for legislation before the General Assembly that we believe will help keep Virginians safe or that address a new form of crime. No one could have imagined years ago the potency and danger of crime over the internet. Now with the rise of AI, the dangers and magnitude of increase. No one could have imagined the proliferation of guns and the number of mass shootings. We need to make sure our laws stay up to date to protect Virginians. I will be vigilant in protecting Virginia families. I will stand up for the U.S. Constitution and for the rule of law and will not allow Trump and Musk to put Virginia families in harm's way.
