Local attorney David W. Silek has won a fairly close election to head Warren County’s Republican Committee Feb. 12, 2026. Whether to fund Samuels Public Library was an issue in the race.

Silek released the following letter on the organization’s facebook page.

Dear Friends:

Last night, we made history together. With a vote of 225 – 206, you didn’t just elect new leadership for the Warren County Republican Committee – you reclaimed it for the values of common sense, community, and genuine conservative principles that have always defined our party at its best.

I am deeply humbled by your support, your courage and endurance in sticking it out last night and not getting frustrated at the idiotic process the former committee erected to complicate and delay registration. Many of you have known me since I was born, watched me grow up in Front Royal, stood beside me through my working life, and have been part of the fabric of this community for generations. Others I’ve come to know more recently, but your faith in this mission means just as much. You didn’t just show up for me – you showed up for Warren County and for the future of principled Republican leadership, not to mention the shape and direction of Warren County.

This victory belongs to every single person who came out last night. In an era when extremism threatens to hijack our institutions, you stood firm. You proved that our community will not be led astray by those who value ideology over integrity, or purity tests over practical governance.

But I want to be clear-eyed with you about what lies ahead. This was the first step, not the finish line. We have a Warren County Republican Committee to rebuild from the ground up. We need committed people in every precinct. We need fresh energy, new volunteers, and sustained engagement. The work of restoring our committee to health – and restoring faith that it represents all Republicans, not just a narrow faction – will take time, dedication, and your continued involvement.

I’m asking you to stay with me in this effort. If you can give your time, please reach out – we need precinct captains, volunteers, and people willing to do the unglamorous work of rebuilding. If you can’t volunteer but want to stay informed and engaged, I promise to keep you updated on our progress. And if you simply want to offer advice or encouragement along the way, my door is always open.

This committee belongs to you now. Together, we’ll make it something Warren County can be proud of again – a place where Republicans of good faith can work together, where neighbors are welcomed rather than tested for ideological purity, and where our focus is on serving our community and advancing conservative principles that actually improve people’s lives.

Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for believing in me. And thank you for proving that in Warren County, common sense and community still matter more than extremism.

With deep gratitude and determination,

David W. Silek,
Chair, Warren County Republican Committee

Edited by Dan McDermott