The Republican Party leadership election in Warren County, Virginia, has been overturned after an appeal challenged the results of a disputed February committee meeting, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already contentious local party battle.
Former Trump administration official Scott Lloyd appealed the outcome after losing the race for county Republican chairman. The appeal was reviewed by the Virginia Sixth District Republican Committee, which voted Tuesday in Fisherville to overturn the original election results. The decision means the leadership contest remains unresolved and could face another round of review.
The controversy began with a February 12 meeting at the Front Royal Volunteer Fire Department that attracted more than 400 people. The unusually large turnout was followed by accusations of problems with the voting and registration process. Affidavits submitted as part of Lloyd’s appeal alleged that the meeting was poorly organized and raised questions about whether some people who were not eligible to vote received ballots.
Some conservatives also claimed they were prevented from entering the meeting and therefore could not participate in the election. Others said they were not clearly informed that arriving after 7 p.m. would prevent them from registering and voting.
Another major dispute involved the restructuring of the Warren County Republican Committee. The group was reduced from 251 members to 102, even though officials had received roughly 180 membership applications. How those applications were reviewed and which applicants were ultimately accepted became a central issue in the challenge.
Additional allegations focused on whether people supporting one candidate had a role in reviewing membership applications that determined eligibility for the restructured committee. Questions were also raised about security and crowd control as large numbers of people attempted to enter the meeting.
One attendee alleged that Sheriff Crystal Cline pushed her while she was attempting to enter the meeting. That allegation has not been independently confirmed.
The Sixth District committee’s decision does not immediately settle the leadership dispute. Under the party’s appeal process, another challenge could be filed within 30 days. If that happens, the case could be sent to a special five-member Republican Party of Virginia panel.
The panel would consist of two members selected by Lloyd, two selected by his opponent, and a fifth member chosen jointly by both sides. Until that process is completed, Warren County Republicans face continued uncertainty over who will lead the local party and how the disputed election will ultimately be resolved.