The city of War is a town organized around a mayor, a recorder, and a council. Each office's term is four years,with the current term beginning on July 1, 2005 and ending on June 30, 2009 . Structured around the "strong mayor" model, the mayor serves as the manager of all city activities and supervises various departments, including the administrative office; police, solid waste, & water departments; garbage services; and maintenance.

Tom Hatcher has been mayor since 1997 and is serving his second term of four years, after serving two two-year terms. He is a retired educator who received his Ph. D. from Ohio State University , taught at WVU for several years and then directed an international exchange program, before retiring and moving back to War in 1991. He has three children: a daughter, Mary Kay Hatcher Jones, who is married to a Church of Christ minister and lives in Indiana ; a second daughter, Elizabeth Ann Hatcher, who lives in Kansas and a son, John, who is married and lives in War.

Recorder Peggy Deel was elected in 1997 at the same time as Mayor Hatcher. She is a long-time resident of War, is married to Millard Deel, and lives in the former home of the Superintendent of the Warrior Coal Company. She and Millard have three children: David (deceased), who resided in War, and had three children; Roger, who lives at Berwind Lake , is a former War Police Chief, and is currently a Deputy with the McDowell County Sheriff's Department; and Diane, who lives in Beckley , is married, and has one child.

Margaret Beavers is originally from Berwind, but has lived most of her married life in War. She is married to Pete Beavers, a McDowell County Magistrate. She was also elected first in 1997 and has served since that time. Margaret and Pete have two children: Pete, Jr., who is married and lives in Bluefield , VA , where he is a police officer. He and his wife, Mary, have two children; Michael, who lives in Pulaski and works at New River Casting. Margaret is employed by the McDowell County Board of Education, and she and Pete live in East War.

Manuel Collins is a lifetime resident of War. He has served on council several times. He is married to Brenda, and they live behind War City Hall on Beech Hill. Manuel and Brenda have three children: Felicia, who is married, and has three children; Sarah, also married, and who has two boys; Jessica, who is married with one boy. Manuel is known throughout War and the surrounding area as a flat-footer. He excels in this skill and people enjoy watching him.

Mark James has served on the Council in previous years. He is employed by War Telephone Company, and he and his wife, Belinda, live in the Middletown section of War. He is a lifetime resident of War and knows most residents, as he has been employed in service companies—telephone and TV—that have worked with residents. He and Belinda have two daughters named Carrie and Erin.

Wesley Miller has served, in the past, as Mayor of War for several terms; he is the longest tenured past mayor. He is a lifetime resident of War and has been involved in many community functions over time. He and his wife, Mavis, live in East War, and there are two children: Chris King, who is single and lives at home; and Dwayne King, who has two children. Wesley is retired from the coal industry.

Frank Smith currently lives in the Warriormine section of War. He is a retired grocer, having been employed as manager for years by the Jones and Spry grocery store, a long-time business in War. Frank was married for many years to Maxine, who recently passed away from cancer. Frank and Maxine had one child, Frank, Jr., who is a teacher and coach living in South Carolina . There are two grandchildren.

The War City Council meets monthly on the third Tuesday at 6:00 PM at War City Hall .