Robert Elson Russell Sr. (December 18, 1941 – January 19, 2019) was an American politician.

Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1981, he faced Chip Dicks the following year after the court-mandated redrawing of districts.

He was unsuccessful in this race but won election to the Virginia Senate in 1983.

Russell was convicted of embezzling $6,750 from a not for profit cycling club.

Since convicted criminals are not allowed to serve in the Virginia Senate, he resigned his seat in 1994.