Attorney General Jay Jones announced on Apr. 4 a summary of recent actions taken by his office to protect Virginians from federal overreach and defend fundamental rights.
The update comes as the Attorney General’s office continues to address issues related to election law, civil rights, gun violence prevention, and consumer protection across the Commonwealth. The Attorney General of Virginia provides legal counsel and representation to state agencies while promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights, as detailed on the official website.
Jones is leading a multistate effort challenging a federal executive order affecting elections. He said the order undermines state authority over elections and risks eroding trust in secure voting systems. “The President continues to overreach, to overstep, to ignore the law, to ignore commonly held tradition and custom in service of a vision that does not align with what we do here in Virginia and in this country as it relates to the rule of law.” Jones also addressed new restrictions on mail-in voting: “Virginia will stand up to this. In court. The President’s latest executive order is a blatantly illegal and malicious attempt to block access to the ballot. His order restricting mail-in voting is riddled with legal fallacies and authoritarian directives – it will be challenged and it will be defeated.”
In response to misleading political mailers targeting Black voters in Virginia—funded by Peter Thiel—Jones condemned their use of Civil Rights movement imagery: “These ads deliberately exploit the history of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement to mislead Black voters and suppress participation. That is not just offensive. It is a modern playbook for voter suppression.” He added that he would continue standing up for civil rights.
On birthright citizenship policy changes being considered at the Supreme Court level, Jones joined an amicus brief opposing an executive order seeking its repeal: “The President’s executive order redefining birthright citizenship violates our Constitution, federal statutes, and the rule that has governed our Nation since we eradicated slavery [over] 150 years ago.”
Jones also attended Richmond’s Hoodship Unity Basketball Game aimed at preventing gun violence among youth: ”For far too long, we’ve focused on back end solutions… if we can get to folks when they’re young… I think that will really have a meaningful impact…” Additionally, he supported enforcement of new vape regulations intended for safer sales practices statewide.
The Attorney General serves all Virginians through programs such as civil rights enforcement initiatives, victim assistance services, consumer protection resources for identity theft or fraud reporting,and advocacy against human trafficking or domestic violence. Miyares holds the position as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia,according to official information.
