Virginia had ten seats in the House, apportioned according to the 1980 United States census.
Linda Lugenia Arey, a former White House aide, won the Republican nomination against W. Onico Barker.
Jerry Falwell supported Arey due to Barker opposing a tax break for Liberty University, Following her defeat Arey withdrew from the general election and was replaced by Charles R.
[11] Payne was the only incumbent U.S. Representative in Virginia to receive less than 60% of the vote.
[4] Only 2.7% of registered voters participated in the Democratic primary.