Attorney General Jay Jones responded on Apr. 2 to reports that a group backed by billionaire Peter Thiel has contributed $2.5 million in support of an advertising campaign before Virginia’s April 21 redistricting referendum.
The issue is significant because the ads reportedly target Black and senior voters with imagery from the Civil Rights Movement and Jim Crow era, while also spreading claims about President Obama’s stance on the measure. These tactics have raised concerns about misinformation and attempts to influence voter participation.
In his statement, Jones said, “Peter Thiel, one of Donald Trump’s top billionaire backers, is spending millions in Virginia to push a campaign built on lies and racial division. 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. My family lived through Jim Crow in Virginia. That history is not a political prop for Trump’s allies to weaponize to rig elections and manipulate voters. Virginians deserve facts, not fear. I will continue to stand up for civil rights, defend the integrity of our elections, and call out any effort to deceive voters and undermine our democracy.”
The Attorney General’s office supports civil rights enforcement as well as victim assistance programs according to its official website. The office also provides legal counsel for state agencies while working toward public safety goals and defending constitutional rights as outlined online. Miyares currently serves as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia according to official records.
Serving all residents across the Commonwealth, the Attorney General addresses issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through legal advocacy according to information available. Additionally, services like consumer protection resources are provided for identity theft prevention and fraud reporting as noted by the office.
As attention turns toward the upcoming referendum vote on April 21, officials emphasize efforts aimed at protecting voting rights while ensuring accurate information reaches all communities.
