Republican incumbent Ben Cline won reelection to a fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday night. He defeated a challenge from Democrat Beth Macy in a race the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recently targeted.
According to unofficial results with 21 of 23 localities reporting, Cline received 117,245 votes (55.88 percent) to Macy’s 92,117 votes (43.91 percent). The Associated Press called the race shortly after 9 p.m.
Regional totals
Macy carried the city of Roanoke with nearly 70 percent of the vote. Cline won the city of Salem with 52.94 percent. With most votes counted, a WFIR analysis indicates Cline’s margin of victory was approximately 12 percentage points. This margin is less than half of his 28-point victory margin in 2024. In that election, Cline defeated Democrat Ken Mitchell with 63 percent of the vote.
Candidates and campaigns
Cline, a Botetourt County resident, has served in federal office since 2019. He previously represented the 24th District in the Virginia House of Delegates for 16 years. During this campaign, Cline focused his messaging on state Democratic lawmakers and recent redistricting efforts.
Macy is a former reporter for the Roanoke Times and the author of “Dopesick.” She advocated for increased regulations on data centers, affordability and improved health care. Macy significantly outraised Cline, collecting $2.9 million compared to his $1.9 million by mid-October. However, Cline had more cash on hand as of late September.
Redistricting history
The 6th District follows the Interstate 81 corridor from the northern Shenandoah Valley to Roanoke. The district was a focus of legal battles earlier this year. The General Assembly originally drew a new map to make the district more competitive. However, the Virginia Supreme Court voided the April redistricting referendum in May. This returned Macy to the original, solidly Republican district to face Cline.
Results are unofficial and subject to change. Provisional ballots and eligible mailed absentee ballots have not yet been counted. Results become official after certification by local electoral boards and the State Board of Elections. Race calls are by The Associated Press.
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