 The incumbent, Republican Representative Mike Ferguson, announced on November 19, 2007, that he would not seek re-election, citing family obligations.The district was considered to lean Republican, but the 2008 election was expected to be highly competitive, considering the closeness of the 2006 election when Ferguson, the incumbent Republican, narrowly defeated Stender, the Democratic challenger.Ultimately, Lance received 50.8% of the vote and was elected to serve in Congress.