Reston 36th District: Plum, 79, Defeats 28-Year-Old Barthelson

RESTON, VA — Incumbent Delegate Kenneth Plum, 79, from Reston's 36th District, defeated 28-year-old challenger Mary Barthelson in Tuesday's Democratic primary.

Plum was declared the victor on Tuesday night, according to the AP. Plum secured 77 percent of the vote on Tuesday with 17 of the district's 18 precincts reporting results, according to the Virginia Department of Elections.

Barthelson, a two-time graduate of George Mason University, believed she could bring new ideas to Richmond. "The spread of disinformation and divisive leadership has degraded public discourse, while the pandemic has destroyed livelihoods," Barthelson said on her website. "I will be focused on creating education and job opportunities for low income families."

Plum, the incumbent, has represented the district for more than 40 years in the House of Delegates. He is a retired teacher who worked in the Fairfax County school system for 30 years.

Delegate Plum is now scheduled to face Republican candidate Matthew Lang in November's general election.

Stay with Patch as results come in for the primary elections.