Benjamin Lee Cline has been representing Virginia’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House since 2019. He focuses on conservative values, with a goal of boosting the economy, cutting down on regulations, and keeping government out of people’s lives.
His actions and voting habits reflect his vows to minimize government involvement and push for smart spending.
Below is a detailed profile of Congressman Cline, formatted as a voter guide.
2024 Election Victory
In the November 5, 2024, election, Congressman Ben Cline won another term in the U.S. House, representing Virginia’s 6th Congressional District. He faced off against Democratic nominee Ken Mitchell and Independent candidate Robert Wells Jr. Cline’s win shows that he still has strong support in the district, keeping the seat he’s held since 2019.
Career Path to Congress
- Education: Cline earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law.
- Early Career: Before entering politics, he worked as an attorney and served as chief of staff to Congressman Bob Goodlatte, who previously represented Virginia’s 6th District.
- Virginia House of Delegates: Cline served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2002 to 2018, representing the 24th District. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as fiscal responsibility, education reform, and public safety.
- U.S. House of Representatives: In 2018, following Goodlatte’s retirement, Cline was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He has since been re-elected in subsequent elections, including the 2024 race.
Sponsored Legislation
Congressman Cline has been active in sponsoring legislation that aligns with his conservative values. Notable bills include:
- Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (H.R. 358): This bill requires federal regulators to assess the full economic effects of proposed regulations on small businesses and consider alternative measures to reduce burdens before implementation. cline.house.gov
- Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act (H.R. 23): This legislation aims to rescind new IRS funding intended to increase audits on middle-class families and small businesses, while enhancing the services Americans expect from their government. cline.house.gov
- One Agency Act: Reintroduced in January 2025, this bill proposes to transfer the Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust authority to the Department of Justice. The objective is to streamline government functions and improve antitrust oversight. reuters.com
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
- National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): In September 2021, Cline was among 75 House Republicans to vote against the NDAA, which included a provision requiring women to register for the draft. He also voted against the final passage of the 2022 NDAA.
- Certification of 2020 Presidential Election: On January 6, 2021, Cline voted against certifying the election results of President-elect Joe Biden.
- Texas v. Pennsylvania Amicus Brief: In December 2020, he was one of 126 Republican members of the House to sign an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit contesting the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
- Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023: Cline was among the 71 Republicans who voted against the final passage of this act, reflecting his stance on fiscal conservatism.
- Ukraine Aid: In 2023, he voted for a moratorium on aid to Ukraine and supported a ban on establishing a Center of Excellence in Ukraine to enhance NATO activities.
- Syria Troop Withdrawal: Cline was among 47 Republicans who voted in favor of a resolution directing President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.
Demographic Data of Virginia’s 6th Congressional District
As of 2022, Virginia’s 6th Congressional District had a population of approximately 784,000 people with the following demographics:
- Race and Ethnicity:
- White (Non-Hispanic): 79.4%
- Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 8.1%
- Two or more races (Non-Hispanic): 3.02%
- White (Hispanic): 3.02%
- Two or more races (Hispanic): 2.11%
- Median Age: 40.8 years
- Median Household Income: $67,266
- Poverty Rate: 12.1%
- Homeownership Rate: 68.1%
Controversial Statements
While specific controversial statements by Congressman Cline are not detailed in the available sources, his votes against certifying the 2020 presidential election results and his support for the Texas v. Pennsylvania lawsuit have been subjects of public debate and criticism