grant was endorsed by the national party as its candidate in dubbo in june 2010, after a pre-selection battle with one other candidate, also a police officer. at the march 2011 elections, grant was elected and received a swing of 14.5% in the traditionally strong nationals seat, winning 63.7% of the vote on a two-party preferred basis. grant actually won 60 per cent of the primary vote, enough to take the seat without the need for preferences. grant defeated the incumbent independent politician dawn fardell, ending a 12-year hold by independent candidates. in accordance with electoral procedures, he resigned his commission as a police officer.