19 Virginia sheriffs endorse Miyares over Democrat Jones in attorney general race

In a surprising move, a group of 19 Virginia sheriffs have thrown their support behind incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares in the upcoming November election. This endorsement comes after Democrats nominated former Virginia state Del. Jay Jones to challenge Miyares for the position.

In a letter to their colleagues, the group of sheriffs emphasized the importance of their decision, stating, “The choice is clear. The decision is ours.” They commended Miyares for his dedication to Virginia’s law enforcement community and first responders, urging their fellow sheriffs to rally behind him for re-election.

On the other hand, Jones, a former assistant attorney general, has focused his campaign on protecting Virginia from policies of the Trump administration. The sheriffs framed Jones’ platform as anti-law enforcement, criticizing his stance on various issues affecting the law enforcement community.

The sheriffs highlighted the progress made by law enforcement professionals in Virginia over the past four years and expressed concerns about a potential return to “lawlessness, violence, and illicit drug activity” under Jones’ leadership. They urged their colleagues to unite in support of Miyares to prevent such a scenario.

The letter outlined specific policies supported by Jones that the sheriffs believe would harm Virginia families. These include measures to investigate law enforcement for violations, implement sentencing credits, eliminate cashless bail, and remove qualified immunity for police officers. The sheriffs also raised concerns about Jones’ stance on mandatory minimum sentencing for drug offenses in schools.

The letter was signed by prominent Virginia sheriffs, including Kyle M. Moore, William Kidd Jr., and Travis M. Sumption, among others. Their collective endorsement of Miyares underscores the importance of law enforcement issues in the upcoming election.

As Virginia gears up for the statewide election, the outcome will serve as a significant indicator for the 2026 midterm elections. Jones has emphasized the need for leaders who prioritize Virginia’s interests and uphold the rule of law, contrasting Miyares’ alleged political motivations.

Jones’ campaign has focused on standing up to corporate interests, defending against unconstitutional policies, and ensuring the safety of Virginians. However, he has not yet responded to requests for comment on the sheriffs’ endorsement of Miyares.

In conclusion, the support of these 19 Virginia sheriffs adds a new dimension to the upcoming election, highlighting the importance of law enforcement issues and the contrasting visions of the candidates. Voters will have to weigh these considerations as they cast their ballots in November.

Deirdre Heavey is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.