VA POLITICS | Smear Without Substance: Virgil Thornton Smear Campaign Against A.C. Cordoza FAILS

In Virginia’s HD86 race, Democrat Virgil Thornton launched a brutal attack ad against Republican Delegate A.C. Cordoza, accusing him of predatory behavior, sexual misconduct, and disturbing online activity. The ad, promoted through Thornton’s campaign site and social media, claimed the allegations were “all public record.” But when the dust settled, the facts told a very different story.

VA Delegate, A.C. Cordoza

What the Ad Claimed—And What It Failed to Prove

Thornton’s ad referenced:

• A 2017 brandishing charge—Cordoza was found not guilty in court.

• A 2009 police report involving an 18-year-old woman—Cordoza was listed as the victim of a robbery, not the perpetrator.

• Allegations of a “sexting ring”—no formal charges, no convictions, and no verified evidence.

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Independent investigations by WAVY’s Truth Tracker and The Virginian-Pilot confirmed that Cordoza was consistently listed as the victim in police reports. The woman cited in the 2009 incident? She not only changed her story multiple times, according to officers, but has since publicly defended Cordoza, stating that the allegations promoted by Thornton’s campaign were misleading and weaponized for political gain. "Virgil Thornton... You should be ashamed of yourself."

Cordoza’s Response: Receipts Over Rhetoric

Cordoza didn’t just deny the claims, he brought receipts. In interviews, he walked through the timeline of events, showed documentation, and clarified that the firearm in question remained holstered during the 2017 incident. He explained that the man he allegedly brandished a weapon at was in plain clothes, banging on his car door, and attempting to force entry, later revealed to be a retired state trooper. Cordoza’s defense? Situational awareness and lawful restraint.

As for the 2009 incident, Cordoza emphasized that he was 18, the woman was 18, and they were friends. The police report confirmed she stole $440 from him and fled. Officers noted she gave “many different statements” and was ultimately cuffed and charged. Cordoza’s name never appeared in the report as a suspect.

The Thornton–Spanberger Affiliation: Silence Speaks Volumes

Thornton’s campaign has canvassed alongside gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, raising questions about shared strategy and messaging discipline. Yet Spanberger has remained silent on Thornton’s smear tactics, neither endorsing nor condemning them. In a race this tight, silence can look a lot like complicity. All of this also comes on the heels of other smear campaigns against VA GOP candidates, such as one calling Lt. Governor John Reid a Nazi Porn Lover, even though he's homosexual and married to a gay may. (I'll let y'all stew on that one) Fortunately, the ol Jay Jones for AG likes to promote murdering folks through text messages is taking center stage at the moment. Rightfully so!

Campaign Event for Virgil Thornton AND Abigail Spanberger

Virginia Voters Deserve Truth, Not Theater

Thornton’s campaign weaponized discomfort, cherry-picked incidents, and ignored context—all to paint Cordoza as a threat. But the facts, the police reports, and even the woman at the center of one allegation say otherwise.

This wasn’t a campaign ad. It was a political hit job. And it failed.