Bailey Calls on Democrats to Condemn Violent Political Rhetoric (Louisville, IL) – Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is calling on Democratic leaders to denounce what he described as violent and hateful language used by Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones in recently surfaced text messages.
The messages, which have circulated online and in political circles, allegedly show Jones making threats of violence against a Republican lawmaker, including a reference to putting “two bullets to the head” and a claim that he would attend the lawmaker’s funeral to “piss on their graves.”
Bailey, a former state senator from downstate Illinois and a prominent conservative figure, criticized Democrats for what he says is a double standard on political violence. In a statement Friday, he accused Democratic leaders of failing to hold members of their own party accountable.
“What Jay Jones said is disgusting,” Bailey said. “Talking about putting ‘two bullets to the head’ of a Republican lawmaker? Saying he’d go to their funerals to ‘piss on their graves’? That’s not leadership, that’s hate.”
Bailey said Democrats frequently campaign on themes of unity but remain silent when inflammatory rhetoric comes from within their own ranks.
“This is the same party that lectures America about ‘unity’ and ‘decency,’” Bailey said. “Yet when one of their own fantasizes about murdering a political opponent and his family, they circle the wagons.”
Bailey linked the controversy to a broader national concern over escalating political hostility.
“Words matter. And when leaders talk like that, it invites real violence,” he said. “We just saw what happens when politics turns dark and dangerous.”
He did not specify which recent event he was referring to, but political tensions have intensified nationwide in recent months.
Bailey urged elected officials — regardless of party — to reject violent rhetoric and act responsibly.
“Every elected official or candidate for office who refuses to condemn this behavior is complicit,” Bailey said. “If you can’t stand up against violence in your own party, you don’t belong anywhere near public office.”
Bailey, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, positioned his remarks as part of his campaign’s message on law and order.
“Here in Illinois, we’ve seen enough of politicians who excuse lawlessness and division,” he said. “It’s time to restore respect, responsibility, and common sense.”
Democratic officials have not yet publicly responded to Bailey’s statement. Jones has not issued a public comment on the messages.
Bailey Calls on Democrats to Condemn Violent Political Rhetoric
