State representative

In 2012, Silvia announced he would again challenge Rep. Aguiar in the Democratic primary,^[10] with the absence of Republican or other candidates meaning the winner would be assured election in November. On September 6, 2012, preliminary results saw Silvia leading Aguiar by only seven votes: 2,091 to 2,084; with both candidates expressing concerns about the integrity of the ballots and Aguiar declaring he would pursue a recount.^[11] A recount process proceeded, with the final certified results reaffirming Silvia's victory over Aguiar; the margin expanding to 26 votes for a final total of 2,153 over 2,127.^[12] Silvia was unopposed in the 2012 general election,^[13] and did not have any opposition in 2014^[14][15] and 2016.^[16][17]

During his first term in the General Court, Silvia was fined twice in relation to actions of his 2012 campaign committee, paying a $400 fine in February for appointing a public employee as his campaign treasurer, with an additional $20,000 in fines levied by the OCPF in August due to campaign finance violations.^[18]

In 2018, Ian Tompkins, a candidate for the Fall River City Council a year prior, announced he would challenge Silvia in the general election as a member of the Green-Rainbow Party,^[19] but ultimately dropped out of the race on August 29 and did not appear on the ballot,^[20] leaving Silvia unopposed for the fourth consecutive general election.^[21][22]