ROANOKE, Va. – Republican Representative-elect Ben Cline has successfully defeated Democratic candidate Jennifer Lewis for the Virginia 6th District seat.Â
6th District Republicans will keep their seat in the 6th District.Â
Voters all the way from Roanoke to Shenandoah came out to the polls to support Ben Cline.Â
The attorney from Rockbridge will take over the seat from Congressman Bob Goodlatte, who decided not to seek re-election.
This is a long-time Republican district, with Goodlatte first taking office in 1992.
Cline defeated Democratic candidate Jennifer Lewis by 20 percent of the vote.
With his family by his side, Cline spoke to a room full of supporters and expressed his thanks for helping him win.Â
Cline says is ready to tackle key issues in Washington that will help move this country forward.Â
"I think the 6th District had expressed it's views how they want Washington approached, less government they want lower taxes they want more responsibility transferred from government back to the people and that's what I plan to do as their representative," said Cline.
Supporters from Rockbridge County into Roanoke congratulated Cline on his victory defeating his opponent.
Across the District in Waynesboro, surrounded by her supporters, Jennifer Lewis made her concession speech.
During her speech, she acknowledged that this race was over but was very clear that it was not the end for her.Â
She said she will hold newly elected Ben Cline accountable and would be very active in this district.Â
People here at the watch party were noticeably disappointed after the results came in, some even getting emotional.Â
During her speech, Lewis thanked her supporters and encouraged them to stay involved.Â
"Up and down this District we have built an army and that army didn't get us over the finish line this time but it will the next time," said Lewis.Â
Throughout her speech, Lewis hinted at that future political run, saying her campaign signs didn't have a year on them for a reason.Â
So for that, we'll have to wait and see.Â