On May 17, 2011, in spite of not being supported by any of the party organizations, O'Brien won one of the five GOP nominations for the City Council's at-large seats, with 17.32% of the vote. Oh won 18.50% of the vote, being first among the field of candidates, while Rizzo was soundly defeated, coming in 7th out of nine candidates—a result some have attributed to his involvement in DROP, the Deferred Retirement Option Plan.
O'Brien won a GOP nomination for the City Council's at-large seats despite not having party support. He secured 17.32% of the vote, while Oh led the pack with 18.50%. Rizzo was severely defeated, finishing seventh out of nine candidates—a outcome that has been linked to his involvement in DROP.