1981Final results
1981 Republican primary for Virginia House District 51
Virginia House of Delegates · Virginia
Robert E. Harris (R) won with 20.0% of the vote, defeating Robert L. Thoburn (R) by 5.0 points.
Robert E. HarrisRepublican · winner · incumbent
20.0%3,932
James E. DillardRepublican · winner · incumbent
19.9%3,920
Lawrence D. PrattRepublican · winner · incumbent
19.1%3,754
Robert L. ThoburnRepublican
15.0%2,951
Joseph D. MorrisseyRepublican
12.5%2,456
Robert C. BrostromRepublican
10.1%1,984
John W. Adams Jr.Republican
3.5%679
19,676 votes
Source: Harvard Dataverse / Carl KlarnerUpdated Sep 30, 2026, 7:29 AM ET
The candidates
Robert E. Harris (R)James E. Dillard (R)Lawrence D. Pratt (R)Robert L. Thoburn (R)Joseph D. Morrissey (R)Robert C. Brostrom (R)
Also on the ballot: John W. Adams Jr. (Republican), 3.5%