Virginia Delegate Ben Cline to run for Congress

Cline is looking to replace Rep. Bob Goodlatte

ROANOKE, Va. – Virginia Republican Del. Ben Cline announced Thursday that he will run for the open seat in Virginia’s 6th Congressional District. The announcement comes on the heels of Congressman Bob Goodlatte’s decision to not seek reelection.

“For far too long, Washington insiders have ignored families outside their insular ‘Beltway’. Again and again they have proved they are out of touch and tone deaf to our struggles. I’m not afraid to take a stand and fight for the people I serve, and I’m hoping to continue that service in Congress,” Cline said in a release. 

Earlier Thursday, Goodlatte announced his retirement at the conclusion of his 2018 term. 

Currently, Cline represents the House of Delegates District 24, which includes Lexington, Buena Vista, all of Rockbridge and Bath counties and parts of Amherst and Augusta. While serving in the General Assembly, he also served as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney. Prior to his General Assembly, service he owned a small business providing marketing assistance to rural internet and high-tech firms, as well as serving as a top aide to Goodlatte.

Cline practices law in Lexington and lives with his wife, Elizabeth, and their two daughters in Rockbridge County.