After winning 80% of the vote last month in the 89th district of the House of Delegates, Jay Jones is leaving his seat at the end of this month. Jones and his wife are expecting a baby and Jones wants to spend more time with his family.
“The work we do has always been as much about the next generation as our own. But that mission now takes on a new meaning as my wife and I gear up for a new frontier: we’re expecting a baby this summer and we couldn’t be more excited.”
“As most parents can attest, bringing a child into this world is a massive time commitment and every second with your family and child is worth its weight in gold. I’m 32, a practicing attorney, and have given everything that I have in my soul to serving Norfolk and the Commonwealth since 2017. But my new job-to-be is as a father, and I’m ready to make that the highest priority in my life … I’ve long talked about our capacity to rise to meet the moment in front of us and I know in my heart that this is the right decision for me at this point in time.”
Jones has been considered something of a rising star in the Democrat party. He challenged Attorney General Mark Herring earlier this year in a primary where he raised over $2 million and garnered 43% of the vote.
Although he is resigning his seat, Jones made it clear that he is not finished with politics:
“Let me be clear, our work is not done and I intend to serve the people of Virginia for years to come. And that work may well mean a run for Attorney General in 2025.”
A special election will be held to fill Jones’ seat.
