Dustin Warren, a lifelong resident of Daviess County with deep ties to the local agriculture and emergency service communities, has announced his candidacy for West Daviess County Commissioner.
Warren, 41, a Republican, currently farms row crops and raises tobacco and cattle with his brothers, in addition to operating a land management business called Warren Field and Forestry.
“I’m running for the citizens of our great community — the families and the taxpayers,” Warren said. “That’s the short answer behind it all.”
Warren previously ran for elected office in 2022 and currently serves on the Daviess County Soil Conservation Board. He is also a longtime volunteer firefighter and EMT with the Saint Joseph Fire Department, where he holds the rank of captain and has served for more than 20 years.
In addition to his work and public service, Warren is active in his parish community at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, where he chairs the cemetery board. He also serves on the board of directors for Daviess County Farm Bureau.
Warren said his priorities include public safety, education, and open communication with constituents.
“Public safety is paramount,” he said. “We need to ensure proper funding, resources, and support to all law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency service agencies across our county. And we’ve got to invest in the youth and adults who are trying to better themselves.”
He added that being available and accessible to citizens is essential.
“If somebody calls, answer the phone. Talk and listen,” Warren said. “I don’t have all the answers, but I can promise you I know someone who does. And together, we can find that person and resolve the issues we face.”
Warren and his wife Destani have a 10-month-old son, Denver. He said his decision to enter the race was solidified as he thought about the future he wants for his child and other youngsters in the community.
“I can’t help but think that the decisions we make today will affect the world he will live in later,” he said. “That’s why I’m running. It all goes back to family.”
When asked about his approach to controversial topics or close fiscal court votes, Warren said he would make it a point to talk to all sides.
“You’ve got to lace up your boots and go hear both parties out,” he said. “There might be a simple miscommunication, or it might be something that needs deeper discussion. But people need to talk face-to-face. We have to listen with empathy and work toward understanding.”
Warren emphasized he is not running against anyone in particular but rather offering himself as a representative for everyone.
“I’m not going to dog the court we have now,” he said. “There’s no need for that. I’m not running against anyone. I’m running for everyone.”
