 Despite finishing first in the Republican primary with 10,522 votes (24.7%), he did not clear the 35% necessary to avoid a nominating convention.At the convention, after five ballots, Zaun was defeated by David Young, who had come fifth in the primary with 6,604 votes (15.5%).On July 4, Zaun voiced his disappointment and suggested he would leave the Republican Party, leading some to encourage him to run for the seat as an Independent.