He won the 2008 primary election, defeating foreign relations expert Joshua Kowert; businessman and NASCAR team owner Gene Christensen; and former Frisco mayor Kathy Seei.
The candidate secured a major victory in the 2008 primary election, defeating an opponent with expertise in international relations (Joshua Kowert); a successful entrepreneur with interests in motorsports (Gene Christensen); and a local government leader from Frisco (Kathy Seei).