RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — During Thursday’s heated debate at the University of Richmond, both candidates for Virginia’s attorney general position took the opportunity to address controversies surrounding them. Jay Jones faced scrutiny over his controversial text messages, while Jason Miyares dealt with accusations of his alleged loyalty to former President Donald Trump.

Republican incumbent Jason Miyares criticized Jones over text messages sent in 2022, where Jones reportedly suggested that a former Republican colleague and his family deserved harm due to political differences.

“Jay, if you were to apply for a position as a line processor—not just in my office, but in any attorney general’s office across the country—you wouldn’t clear a background check,” Miyares asserted.

Jones began the debate by addressing the issue, offering an apology for his past messages.

“Let me be very clear: I am ashamed, I am embarrassed, and I’m sorry,” Jones expressed.

Jones then tried to turn voters’ attention to Miyares’ alleged loyalty to President Donald Trump. 

“For the last nine months, Jason’s had 50 chances to sue the administration — to protect us, to protect our workers, to protect our healthcare, to protect our K-12 funding, funding for law enforcement … and his office hasn’t done a thing, because he’s too weak and too scared to stand up to the president,” Jones said. 

Miyares countered by highlighting his accomplishments in office, while saying Jones’ voting record in the General Assembly proved he can’t be Virginia’s top cop. 

“He supports the early felon release program signed into law by Ralph Northam that has released 9,000 felons into our communities — 50% of them have already been rearrested,” Miyares said.

The candidates also discussed reproductive rights, energy policy and more. 

You can watch the full Virginia Attorney General Debate here. For more of 8News’ coverage of Virginia’s elections, click here.