I ran for County Clerk 4 years ao and lost by 3%(I think) total spread (1400 votes).
I ran for Chairman of the Republican Party of Galveston County in 2004 and beat out the 7 year incumbent chair. In the general election to follow, we defeated the first countywide Dem incumbents in 150 years (ever).
I also had to win a primary to get here and my opponent is now my biggest campaign helper!
Good luck.