Cline Appears Without Democratic Opponent at Winchester Congressional Event

U.S. Rep. Ben Cline appeared Thursday night at a congressional candidate event in Winchester without his Democratic opponent, Beth Macy, turning what organizers had planned as a debate into a discussion with the incumbent congressman.

The event, hosted by the Small Business Freedom Alliance at West Oaks Farm & Market, was described by Cline’s campaign as the first of three debates the Republican congressman has agreed to attend during the 2026 campaign for Virginia’s 6th Congressional District.

Macy did not attend Thursday’s event. The information provided by Cline’s campaign said Macy had publicly called for three debates in recent weeks, but it did not include a statement from Macy or her campaign explaining her absence.

Without both candidates present, voters at the Winchester event did not have the opportunity to hear Cline and Macy debate or respond directly to the same questions.

Instead, Cline discussed several issues with those attending, including taxes, the cost of living, immigration and border security, public safety, and other concerns affecting district residents.

“It was a tremendous conversation with people from the district who came out to voice their concerns and hear what candidates have to say about the issues facing our community,” Cline said.

“We talked about cutting taxes and keeping the cost of living down, securing the border and maintaining safe neighborhoods,” he continued. “It was an excellent discussion, and I look forward to the next two scheduled debates, when maybe I will have an opponent.”

Cline also used the appearance to discuss small businesses and farmers, as well as his work in Congress.

His campaign characterized his record as one focused on cutting taxes and reducing regulations affecting small businesses and agricultural operations. Those descriptions reflect the campaign’s characterization of Cline’s congressional record.

Veterans and their federal benefits were another subject discussed during the event. Cline highlighted his work on veterans issues and efforts he says are intended to protect benefits earned through military service.

The Winchester gathering comes as Cline and Macy campaign for the 6th District seat in the November election.

Thursday’s event was the first of three candidate forums or debates to which Cline has accepted invitations, according to his campaign.

The next is scheduled to be hosted by the Salem Rotary Club on Sept. 10. Another event is scheduled with the Harrisonburg Rotary Club on Oct. 5.

The material provided by Cline’s campaign did not indicate whether Macy has accepted invitations to either of those events.

It also did not provide information from Macy’s campaign about Thursday’s Winchester event, including whether she declined an invitation, had a scheduling conflict, or chose not to participate for another reason.

The absence of one candidate is significant because debates and candidate forums give voters an opportunity to compare candidates at the same event, hear their positions on issues, and see how they respond to questions and each other’s arguments.

That direct comparison did not occur Thursday night.

Instead, Cline had the opportunity to discuss his positions and congressional record with those attending without a response from his Democratic challenger.

Whether voters will have the opportunity to see the two candidates appear together at either of the remaining scheduled events will depend on both campaigns’ participation.