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From Chairman Truono's Desk: Defy the Odds: Arm Yourself with Truth for 2026

February 2, 2026

Gene Truono

Chairman, Delaware Republican Party



Dear Fellow Delaware Republicans and Conservatives,


As we begin this new week in February 2026, I want to share some reflections inspired by a recent insightful conversation on The Rubin Report with skeptic and author Michael Shermer (episode aired January 31, 2026). In "How to Spot Lies & Find Truth as Conspiracies Spread on Both Sides," Shermer addresses the erosion of public trust in institutions—a challenge that hits close to home for many of us here in Delaware, where one-party Democratic dominance has often shielded flawed policies from rigorous scrutiny.


The post-COVID era has left lasting scars on institutional credibility. Prolonged school closures, shifting mandates on masks and vaccines, and an unwillingness from leaders to admit uncertainty damaged faith in science, experts, and government alike. Many Delaware families still feel the impact: children fell behind academically, small businesses struggled, and everyday citizens grew wary of top-down edicts presented as unassailable truth.


This politicization of science—where precaution trumped data and hubris replaced humility—mirrors broader concerns we see in Delaware governance. When policies ignore evidence or evolving realities, trust erodes further. Nationally, polls reflect this decline: trust in federal health agencies has dropped significantly since the pandemic peak, with ongoing skepticism toward government handling of public health matters.


Shermer advocates for Bayesian reasoning—starting with informed priors, updating beliefs with new evidence, and avoiding absolute certainty (0% or 100%). This provisional approach to truth encourages healthy skepticism without descending into cynicism. We verify claims rationally, cross-check independent sources, and resist genetic fallacies or deceptive edits. In an age of information overload, AI-generated deep fakes, and conspiracy narratives from all sides (including revisionist takes on history or figures like those promoted by some commentators), evidence-based thinking is our best defense.


These principles are vital for conservatives in Delaware as we build toward the critical 2026 midterms:

  • Defend Truth in Policy Debates — Whether on education standards, economic regulations, or public safety, we must demand data-driven decisions over ideological certainty. Reject revisions like those in the 1619 Project that distort American history, and preserve factual integrity against denial of basic biology in areas like gender.

  • Combat Misinformation with Verification — Use tools like multiple independent sources and even AI assistants wisely to sort fact from fiction. Avoid echo chambers; engage with evidence, not agendas fueled by clicks or money.

  • Restore Trust Through Accountability — In our small state, we have a unique advantage: personal connections and community focus can highlight where one-party rule has led to complacency. By mobilizing with facts and principled skepticism, we can expose overreach and offer better alternatives.


AllSides.com stands out as an essential tool for conservatives and all Delawareans who want to understand issues from multiple angles. This nonpartisan platform rates media sources for political bias—Left, Lean Left, Center, Lean Right, and Right—using multipartisan analysis, blind surveys, editorial reviews, and community input to reflect the average American's perspective rather than any single viewpoint.


Key features that make AllSides invaluable in our polarized era:


  • Media Bias Chart™ — A visual guide rating over 2,400 outlets (e.g., Fox News Digital often rated Right, CNN Lean Left, The Hill Center), helping you quickly identify slant and seek balance.


  • Balanced News & Headline Roundups — Side-by-side coverage of the same stories from Left, Center, and Right perspectives, so you can compare framing, omissions, and facts without relying on one source.


  • Bias Ratings Search — Look up any outlet to see its rating, confidence level, and community feedback—promoting transparency over hidden agendas.


In a time when trust in media is low and conspiracies spread from all sides, AllSides empowers us to verify claims rationally, resist manipulation, and build informed arguments. For Delaware Republicans, this means engaging debates on local issues—like education policy, economic freedom, or public safety—with facts from across the spectrum, strengthening our coalition and appealing to the growing number of unaffiliated voters (now around 25-30% in recent data).


Current projections show Democrats favored in Delaware's legislative chambers and congressional seat—rated "Likely" or "Solid" Democratic by outlets like Sabato's Crystal Ball and Cook Political Report. Voter registration remains challenging, with Democrats holding roughly 42-45% compared to Republicans' 25-26%, and unaffiliated voters growing. Yet history shows momentum can shift when voters feel disillusioned and conservatives unite around shared values.


The 2026 midterms offer our chance to defy expectations. By embracing critical thinking, rejecting extremes on both sides, and building a powerful conservative coalition, we can win seats, check one-party rule, and deliver the accountable, freedom-focused governance Delawareans deserve.


I encourage you to listen to the full episode for deeper insights on navigating truth in a polarized world:

Join us in this effort—volunteer, donate, talk to neighbors, and register new voters. Together, we can turn skepticism into action and make 2026 a turning point for Delaware.


For Delaware's future,







Gene Truono

Chairman of the Delaware Republican Party



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