An electoral redistribution reduced Lawlor's majority down to 8% when the Southport electoral district was moved slightly southward. Lawlor was challenged in the 2009 election by five other candidates including local marketing and management consultant Tinia Wright for the newly merged Liberal National Party (LNP) opposition and also Brian Morris of the Daylight Saving for South East Queensland Party. The Gold Coast Bulletin criticised the LNP for not matching a Government promise of a $60 million stadium upgrade and a tourism package that promised equal funding to the Gold Coast and Mount Isa. The LNP used the stadium upgrade as a key election issue and emphasised a contrasting priority of transport and health on the Gold Coast. Two days from the election internal polling by The Australian predicted a swing of 8-10% against Lawlor. Lawlor was re-elected with a reduced majority, he achieved 45.33% of the primary vote and 53.48% of the two party preferred vote.