Lindland defeated fellow Republican Phyllis Thiemann in the May 20, 2008 primary, 58 to 42 percent. He advanced to the general election and was defeated by Hood River, Oregon Democrat Suzanne VanOrman by around 52% to Lindland's 48%.
In the May 20, 2008 primary, Lindland, a Republican, won over Phyllis Thiemann by a score of 58 to 42 percent. He went on to face Suzanne VanOrman in the general election, who was a Democrat from Hood River, Oregon and defeated him with approximately 52 percent of the vote compared to Lindland's 48 percent.