Barlow Will Not Seek Office After Redistricting, Shifts Focus to Advocacy

Pete Barlow announced he will not seek elected office following recent redistricting changes, instead turning his attention toward community advocacy and regional engagement across Western Virginia.

Barlow, who had been campaigning in the 6th Congressional District, shared the decision after consulting with supporters during a virtual meeting held April 23. More than 50 participants joined the discussion, which included an overview of new district boundaries and the candidates now representing those areas.

Participants were then divided into smaller groups by district to share feedback and discuss next steps.

“The consensus was clear,” Barlow said in a statement. “Participants said they value my campaign’s focus on listening to constituents that [Rep.] Ben Cline ignores, amplifying local issues that never get attention in Washington, and connecting neighbors with each other across artificial divisions created by the partisan system.”

Barlow was critical of current representation, stating, “Ben Cline’s negligent representation for the 6th congressional district has led to rampant injustices for our local producers, for our ag workforce and minority communities, for the unhoused and underinsured, for our neighbors on Medicaid and women who seek assurances about their access to healthcare, and for children whose schools are not effectively preparing them for the future.”

However, he acknowledged that the newly drawn district map no longer provides a viable path forward for his campaign.

“They also recognized that the new map does not leave me with a district for a viable campaign,” Barlow said of supporters’ feedback.

Instead of pursuing office in a different district, Barlow said his efforts will shift toward ensuring that candidates across the region understand the concerns of Western Virginia residents.

“We will focus on sharing issues with other candidates and connecting neighbors who voted differently… with each other and with candidates,” he said.

Barlow emphasized that his long-term commitment to the region remains unchanged.

“I am, and always will be, dedicated to restoring our communities, farms, and prosperity in Western Virginia,” he said. “Fulfilling the promise of democracy is the imperative of our time. I am from the Valley, and I’m for the Valley.”

His campaign organization will continue operating in the coming months, with recurring donations set to run through June. According to Barlow, new contributions will support outreach efforts, community discussions, and initiatives to bridge political divides.

The announcement marks a shift from electoral politics to grassroots engagement, as Barlow and his supporters look to remain involved in shaping the region’s future outside of a formal campaign.