Ben Cline

Benjamin Lee Cline is an American politician and attorney currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 6th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, Cline has held this position since 2019. Prior to his congressional career, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates for 16 years, representing the 24th district. His legislative work has focused on various issues, including public safety, government regulation, and abortion rights.

Early life and career

Cline was born on February 29, 1972, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. He spent much of his formative years in Rockbridge County, Virginia, where he was raised by his parents, Philip L. Cline and Julie Cline. His education began at Lexington High School, from which he graduated in 1990. He then pursued higher education at Bates College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1994. Later, Cline attended the University of Richmond School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 2007.

Before entering politics, Cline had a diverse career. From 2002 to 2007, he served as president of NDS Corporation, a Virginia-based company that provided sales and marketing assistance to rural Internet and technology businesses. During this time, he also attended law school. After earning his law degree, Cline worked as an assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for Rockingham County and the city of Harrisonburg until 2013. He subsequently established a private law practice in Lexington, Harrisonburg, and Amherst, Virginia.

Cline's political career began in earnest when he worked on Capitol Hill from 1994 to 2002 for U.S. Representative Bob Goodlatte. He started as a legislative correspondent and eventually became Goodlatte's chief of staff. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in legislative processes and governance.

In 2002, Cline entered the political arena by winning a special election for the Virginia House of Delegates, succeeding Vance Wilkins, who had resigned. Cline secured this position with 57% of the vote against Democratic candidate Mimi Elrod. He represented the 24th district, which included Bath and Rockbridge counties, as well as parts of Amherst and Augusta counties.

House tenure

Cline's tenure in the Virginia House of Delegates was marked by a series of electoral successes. He was re-elected in 2003, 2005, and 2009, consistently winning a significant majority of the votes. In 2007, he ran unopposed, and in subsequent elections, he maintained strong support, winning 71% of the vote in 2009 against Democrat Jeff Price and achieving similar results in 2015 and 2017 against various opponents.

In November 2017, Cline announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Representative Bob Goodlatte. He won the Republican nomination in May 2018 during a district convention. Cline's campaign for Congress culminated in the general election on November 6, 2018, where he won with 59.8% of the vote against Democratic challenger Jennifer Lewis. Following his election, Cline resigned from the Virginia House of Delegates on December 18, 2018.

Since taking office in January 2019, Cline has been re-elected, continuing to represent Virginia's 6th congressional district. His current term is set to end on January 3, 2027. Throughout his congressional career, Cline has focused on various legislative priorities and has been active in his district.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the Virginia House of Delegates, Cline served on several committees, including Commerce and Labor, Courts of Justice, and Finance. He also chaired the Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee and participated in various subcommittees related to commerce, criminal law, and judicial systems. His legislative efforts included passing bills aimed at improving government transparency and public safety.

Cline's commitment to public safety was recognized when he was named Legislator of the Year by the Virginia Court Clerks' Association in 2011 and the Virginia Sheriff's Association in 2012. He introduced legislation concerning the rights of defendants and inmates, advocating for reforms that would facilitate better access to juvenile records for probation officers and opposing the closure of facilities for nonviolent juvenile offenders.

In the realm of abortion, Cline has been described as staunchly anti-abortion. He has introduced legislation requiring that women seeking abortions after 20 weeks be informed about the option of providing anesthesia to the fetus. His legislative focus has often aligned with conservative values, particularly regarding issues related to reproductive rights.

In Congress, Cline has continued to serve on various committees and has taken an active role in shaping legislation. His work reflects a commitment to the priorities of his constituents and the principles of the Republican Party. Cline's background in law and his extensive experience in state politics have informed his approach to governance and legislative initiatives.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Cline has engaged in discussions and debates on a wide range of issues affecting his district and the nation. His legislative focus encompasses a variety of topics, including economic development, healthcare, and education, as he seeks to address the needs and concerns of the residents of Virginia's 6th congressional district.