Elizabeth “Liz” Simons, daughter of hedge fund billionaire James Simons, is the largest individual donor backing Virginia’s embattled Democrat Attorney General nominee, Jay Jones. Simons has contributed $750,000 to Jones’ campaign, now facing intense backlash after revelations that the candidate made violent remarks about a Republican colleague and his family.
Simons, an heiress to the $31 billion Renaissance Technologies fortune, co-chairs the Heising-Simons Foundation, a progressive philanthropic organization funding left-wing causes including climate change activism, education equity, and criminal justice reform. Her financial activity heavily supports Democratic political operations, with past donations to the Senate Majority PAC, House Majority PAC, and candidates such as Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite Jones facing national scrutiny for text messages in which he allegedly fantasized about shooting a GOP lawmaker and called the lawmaker’s children “fascists,” Simons has not withdrawn her financial support. Her backing has made her a central figure in the controversy, with political analysts pointing to her influence in enabling and amplifying Jones’ campaign.
The financial contributions were delivered in four separate installments, totaling $750,000—making Simons the largest donor to Jones by a wide margin. Critics argue that her continued support demonstrates the tolerance of radical behavior within high-dollar Democrat donor circles, particularly when aligned with progressive ideologies.
The scandal has put Virginia Democrats on the defensive. Though some, including Senator Tim Kaine, have publicly reaffirmed their endorsements, internal pressure is growing over the party’s silence on Jones’ conduct. Meanwhile, Republicans are highlighting the episode as evidence of extremism within the state’s Democratic leadership.
Simons’ involvement in this race exemplifies how concentrated wealth can shape state-level elections and shield candidates from accountability. Her political spending is not isolated, forming part of a broader effort to fund far-left policies and candidates across the country—regardless of ethical red flags.
