Virginia’s Sixth District Republican Committee voted 19 to 5 Tuesday night to uphold an appeal nullifying the Warren County Republican Committee chairman election held February 12. The contest had been marred by allegations of turned-away voters, Democratic participation, and an unauthorized reduction of party membership rolls.
Scott Lloyd, a former official in the administration of President Donald Trump, lost the race to attorney David Silek by 19 votes. He filed an appeal supported by affidavits from individuals who said they were blocked from entering the voting location at the Front Royal Volunteer Fire Department, Breitbart reported.
Committee members meeting in Fisherville found Lloyd’s case convincing by a wide margin. Chairman John Massoud and one other member abstained.
The decision does not end the dispute, as Silek has 30 days to appeal to the Republican Party of Virginia. Still, the vote signaled the February 12 meeting was too compromised to stand.
The meeting was scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with registration beginning at 6:00 p.m. More than 400 people showed up.
Former chairman Tom McFadden Jr. said about 200 people were already there by 5:30 p.m. “They were all ‘his’ people,” McFadden said.
Lloyd’s appeal described a chaotic scene. Affidavits alleged Democrats were given ballots and conservatives were turned away.
George Cline, the husband of Warren County Sheriff Crystal Cline, was identified as blocking entry. Lloyd’s filing estimated between nine and more than forty people were denied the ability to vote.
Cline later acknowledged turning away at least nine individuals. Massoud confirmed the meeting was “hectic” and said “at least three” Democrats were present.
Silek received 225 votes to Lloyd’s 206. That margin drew scrutiny given the number of people allegedly prevented from voting.
Concerns extended beyond the vote itself. Cheryl Cullers announced committee membership would be reduced from 251 to 102.
Lloyd argued the move lacked authorization. He called it an “unauthorized and unacceptable disenfranchisement of Republican voters.”
The issue drew sharp questioning at the hearing. School Board member Melanie Salins challenged the logic behind the changes.
“Are we trying to grow the party… or are we trying to shrink the party?” Salins asked. “This is not logically consistent.”
She also questioned why longtime members were removed. “Why is it that people who paid their dues… were [kicked out]?” she asked.
Party rules require voters who participated in another party’s primary within five years to submit written renunciations. Lloyd said none were collected at the meeting.
That raised concerns about compliance with party rules. It also became central to arguments that the vote lacked integrity.
Silek defended himself and addressed criticism over his political donations. He acknowledged giving to Democrats but called it routine professional courtesy.
“Two friends of mine ran as Democrats,” Silek said. “Republicans do that.”
He also rejected claims his supporters did not belong. “Reagan Democrats did not come to the party through purity test,” he said.
Lloyd said the issue was procedural, not ideological. “Where there’s no ballot control, there’s no confidence,” he said.
Shenandoah County Sheriff Timothy Carter moved to dismiss the appeal. He argued a new mass meeting did not make sense.
His motion failed. Committee member Curt Lilly responded, “We don’t do what is right because it’s easy.”
Committee member Willie Deutsch then moved to uphold the appeal. The final vote, 19 to 5 with two abstentions, was decisive.
Massoud said the process is not over. “Tonight is not the end,” he said.
If Silek appeals, a five-member panel will hear the case. The state party could also take it up.
Silek signaled he will challenge the ruling. He called the decision “extremely disappointing.”
Local reactions were mixed following the vote. Some praised Lloyd, while others pointed to broader party tensions.
The Warren County dispute is local, but the implications are broader. The outcome of any appeal will determine whether a new election is held.