FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2025
AFFT CEO Chip Rogers Condemns Virginia Teachers Union for Endorsing Candidate Who Fantasized About Violence
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Americans for Fair Treatment (AFFT) CEO Chip Rogers today condemned the Virginia Education Association (VEA) for maintaining its endorsement of Virginia Attorney General candidate Jay Jones, despite reports that Jones fantasized about acts of violence toward a Republican lawmaker and his family.
“The VEA’s decision to stand by a candidate who expressed fantasies about killing children is disgraceful,” said Rogers. “Teachers, parents, and voters expect better from organizations that claim to represent educators and students. Instead, the union has once again chosen politics over principle.”
Rogers’ remarks follow revelations that Jones, the Democratic nominee for attorney general, sent text messages describing violent acts against former Virginia House Speaker Todd Gilbert and his family. Despite widespread condemnation and calls for accountability, the VEA refused to withdraw its endorsement — and reportedly blocked dissenting comments on social media.
“This is about more than one endorsement,” Rogers continued. “It’s about a union culture that prioritizes partisan loyalty above common decency. When government unions protect candidates who glorify violence, they lose all moral authority to claim they represent America’s educators.”
In his latest op-ed, Rogers urges teachers to take action by rethinking their union membership and encouraging accountability at the ballot box. “Educators who are appalled by the VEA’s conduct have the power to act. By opting out of their union, they can ensure their hard-earned money doesn’t fund politics or hate,” he wrote.