Pete Barlow Brings Boots-On-the-Ground Approach to 6th District Race

Pete Barlow, a Shenandoah Valley native and former FEMA official, is officially in the race to challenge incumbent Ben Cline for Virginia’s 6th Congressional District in 2026. He sat down with the Royal Examiner this week for an in-depth conversation about why he’s running, what he believes needs fixing, and how he hopes to bring people back to the center of political discourse.

Barlow, who launched his campaign this summer, is already deep into what his team calls the “People Talk to Pete” Truck Tour—a districtwide listening campaign that includes stops at county fairs, markets, and local gathering places.

“I want to be able to tell my future kids that when programs were being undermined, when health care was being stripped away, when nothing was being done about I-81, I tried to do something about it,” Barlow said. “We’re hemorrhaging, and someone needs to put pressure on the wound.”

From FEMA to Front Lines

Barlow brings a unique mix of experience: a trained nurse, former Peace Corps volunteer, and federal policy expert with years spent at both FEMA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He says his work in disaster recovery gives him a practical understanding of how Washington works—and where it often fails.

“There’s this perception that federal agencies are all waste and fraud,” he said. “But I was writing policy to keep communities safe after disasters. These programs matter, and it’s disturbing to see them defunded or dismantled without thought.”

He criticized current efforts to cut FEMA support for mid-sized disasters. He questioned why Congress continues to approve bloated defense budgets while shortchanging domestic priorities, such as infrastructure, healthcare, and disaster relief.

Taking on Incumbent Ben Cline

Barlow took direct aim at Rep. Ben Cline, accusing him of voting against improvements to I-81 and failing to show up for constituents.

“We’ve been talking about a third lane on I-81 for 50 years,” he said. “Seventy-two percent of fatalities happen because of trucks. Ben Cline has consistently voted against improvements. He’s not doing the job.”

He also expressed concern over what he calls “career politicians” who remain in office without engaging meaningfully with the communities they represent.

“We need people who’ve worked real jobs and know what it means to do hard work. I’ve worked on cattle farms, poultry farms, in a family cabinet shop—then in federal disaster recovery,” he said. “That’s the kind of experience that’s missing.”

A Middle-Ground Mindset

Barlow emphasizes the need for practical, community-focused leadership that avoids partisan extremes. While acknowledging flaws in both parties, he criticized what he sees as a lack of vision and outreach from Democrats, as well as a harmful pattern of obstruction and disinformation from Republicans.

“This constant divide—we’ve been trained to think we’re on different teams. But we sink or swim together,” he said. “I believe in listening first. That’s why we’re starting this campaign by talking to people, not telling them what to think.”

He stressed that the 6th District’s needs—from agriculture to infrastructure to health care—are too urgent for political performance.

Barlow said. “We need to stop treating rural issues like afterthoughts. Rural hospitals, small farms, small towns—these should be at the center of policy, not the margins.”

Balancing the Budget – and Values

On fiscal issues, Barlow said he supports sensible audits and transparency but believes the real threat lies not in safety net programs, but in unchecked military spending and corporate tax loopholes.

“We haven’t had a real audit of where our defense dollars are going. We’re still building planes and bombs we don’t use, while cutting food assistance and health care for working families,” he said.

Listening Tour Continues

The Barlow campaign is continuing its districtwide Truck Tour, with recent stops including the Page and Bath County Fairs. Events often include music, family-friendly gatherings, and most importantly, space for open conversation.

Barlow’s team emphasizes that these conversations are shaping the platform, not just promoting it.

“We want to hear what matters to people who don’t feel seen. That’s how we rebuild trust—in each other, in our institutions, and in public service,” Barlow said.

Barlow, a tenth-generation native of the Shenandoah Valley, was raised in the Brethren and Mennonite traditions. He is a graduate of Bridgewater College and served with the Peace Corps before taking on federal roles in environmental biology and emergency response.

The 6th District, which encompasses parts of the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge, and surrounding areas, has traditionally leaned Republican; however, Barlow believes there’s a hunger for authentic, local leadership across party lines.

“It’s not about left or right. It’s about whether your representative actually shows up and listens,” he said. “I will.”

To follow Pete Barlow’s campaign and upcoming events, visit: peopletalk2pete.org