Virginia’s gubernatorial race, long focused on issues like affordability, abortion, and transgender rights, was shaken Friday by revelations that Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones had once suggested via text that a top Republican lawmaker be shot.

The resurfaced messages drew bipartisan criticism and forced Democratic front-runner Abigail Spanberger to defend herself, giving Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears a potential opening.

Spanberger has maintained strong polling and fundraising leads, but the controversy could influence voter sentiment with four weeks left before Election Day and early voting already underway.

Analysts say the development is significant enough to tighten the race, though Spanberger’s advantages provide some buffer, NBC News has reported.

The incident underscores the heightened sensitivity around political violence as a campaign issue in Virginia.